[CA/Hist] Ayyankali

Current Affairs

Ayyankali (1863-1941)

Why Ayyankali in Current Affairs section now?

·        Because Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave speech on the 152nd birthday of Ayyankali

• ·        Ayyankali belonged to Pulaya agricultural labor community of Kerala
• ·        Was a labour leader and social reformer.
• ·        Fought for dalit rights in Tranvacore kingdom.
• ·        But never allowed bitterness to creep into the social fabric.
• ·        Ayyankali formed Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham and Kayal Sammelan.
• ·        Gandhi was impressed with his work, and came to meet him.

Narendra Modi	Local Leaders
·        Ayyankali also formed Kayal Sammelan- to hold meetings in boats (1913) ·        Because the Travancore King did not allow Dalits to organize meetings on land. ·        This was turning point in Dalit movement, similar to Gandhi’s Dandi march.	No, Ayaankali did not form that organization. It was KP Kurrupan.