Vaikom Satyagraha

• Recently, “Vaikom Satyagraha,” one of the most Supported and recognised protests in India, marked its 100th anniversary.

ABOUT VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA

• Vaikom is a serene town in Kottayam, Kerala.
• The Vaikom Satyagraha was launched on March 30, 1924 against the ban imposed on members of marginalized communities in the surroundings of Vaikom Mahadevar Temple.
• It marked the dawn of temple entry movements across India.
• It was launched by leaders in Kerala such as K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon and George Joseph, on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi.
• A march comprising of ‘upper caste’ Hindus who supported the reform commenced in Vaikom and ended at the capital of Trivandrum.
• They marched with 25,000 signatures of ‘forward caste’ Hindus, for opening the Vaikom’s temple roads to all castes.
• Large-scale participation of women was witnessed for the first time during the Satyagraha, marking the passage of women into the socio-political consciousness of the country.
• The protest sustained itself for more than one and a half years, leading to many arrests and satyagrahis being jailed.
• Even the Akalis from Punjab travelled to Vaikom to supply food to the protesters.