Don’t use Sanskrit honourific ‘Mahatma’ for Ayyankali: Vedan says Dalits still enslaved by Sanatana Dharma

Thiruvananthapuram: Rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) respectfully declined an attempt by event organisers to place a traditional headgear on his head during a memorial event for social reformer Ayyankali. The incident occurred at the “Smrithi Sangamam” event organised by KPMS (Kerala Pulayar Maha Sabha) in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, marking the 84th death anniversary of Ayyankali.

Vedan, the chief guest at the event, requested the organisers not to adorn him with the headgear and instead accepted it in his hands as a symbolic gesture. He was also presented with a ceremonial sword during the function.

Speaking at the event, Vedan said that Dalits still remain shackled—enslaved by the structures of Sanatana Dharma. “A time will come when the broader society will celebrate icons like ‘Mahaveer’ Ayyankali and Babasaheb Ambedkar. Until then, we must remain patient,” he said. His words were met with cheers and applause from the attendees.

Vedan criticised Kerala society, alleging that both Ayyankali and Ambedkar are being misrepresented as casteists. “I have merely walked the paths they cleared for us. Even though it's challenging to navigate these routes through the Sanatana-dominated spaces, I will continue,” he asserted.

He expressed hope for a future where thousands will gather annually to celebrate these reformers and stressed the need for societal progress to reach that stage. However, he acknowledged that it may take a long time for the marginalised to evolve into a unified and questioning political force, as divisions continue to deepen.

At a separate event organised by the Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) in Venganoor, Vedan reiterated that Ayyankali should be called "Mahaveeran" instead of "Mahatma", a Sanskritic title. Accepting the inaugural Villuvandi Award at the event, he urged for unity among oppressed communities. “The oppressed Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and Adivasis must come together. A time will come when we will emerge as a strong political force,” he said.

Roaring Welcome at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium

Earlier, Vedan received a thunderous welcome at the Olympia Hall of Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium, where crowds chanted his name as he arrived. His declaration that he would continue to tread the path paved by Ambedkar and Ayyankali energised the gathering.

He repeatedly stated, “Next year, on this very day, let us celebrate with tens of thousands gathering at the venue.” On popular request, Vedan sang a few lines from Poykayil Appachan’s poem and concluded his address with a rendition of his popular track Kadalamma.

For the audience, Vedan was not just a guest — he was one among them, a family member returning home.

‘Dalit-Adivasi Communities Must Unite to Become a Political Force’

Rapper Vedan, speaking at the Ayyankali commemoration organised by Sadhujana Paripalana Sangham at the Panchajanyam Smrithi Mandapam in Venganoor, said that the lack of unity among the Dalit and Adivasi communities was the root cause of their continued marginalisation.

He expressed hope for a future where these communities would rise as a powerful political force. “We are merely walking the illuminated path shown by renaissance leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Ayyankali. But our lack of fraternity is being exploited as a weapon by Sanatanists,” he warned.

Rejecting the use of the Sanskrit honourific Mahatma, Vedan reiterated his desire to refer to Ayyankali as Mahaveeran — a title more befitting of his revolutionary spirit.