Read Ambedkar and Periyar: Thalapathy Vijay to Top Students

Thalapathy Vijay, amidst the anticipation for his seminal film Leo, directed by the brilliant Lokesh Kanagaraj, had graciously planned an education award ceremony for high-ranking students who had scored well in their 10th and 12th standard exams. The event was organised by the Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, a nonprofit network that Thalapathy Vijay uses to conduct all his philanthropic activities. The event took place at a grand convention hall, where top students from all 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu and their parents were gathered at. All the attendees were provided with food, transportation, and accommodation, the expenses for which were completely taken care of by Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam. The award ceremony not only gifted the students with certificates but also cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000 were granted to the first, second, and third scorers, respectively. Many students were also overjoyed at receiving the awards at the hands of their favourite star.

His Name is Joseph Vijay ❤️#VijayHonorsStudents #NaaReady https://t.co/hmybf4O3fv
— Roвιɴ Roвerт (@PeaceBrwVJ) June 17, 2023

Thalapathy Vijay used this opportunity to deliver some important advice to the next generation. He had told them how they should not be listening to fake news and that they should develop a keen sense of critical analysis of the world around them, as they are the future voters of the nation. He tried to impart to the young minds that they needed to be more politically aware to be useful members of society. He also emphasised that students should develop a strong sense of identity and that the development of character itself is one of the greatest expressions of education.

Image Source Vinavu

At the mention of the names Ambedkar and Periyar, the audience of largely young people roared with applause. Thalapathy Vijay had taken it upon himself to tell the next generation to read Ambedkar and Periyar so they could evolve their intellectual capacity. Ambedkar and Periyar were immensely important figures who had spent their lives fighting for the liberation of Indian society from caste-feudal oppressions. Both the pioneering revolutionaries struggled hard for equality in education, which they had achieved through implementing reservations for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students. It is important that students realise how much of the education they receive today is attributed to the Dalit and Dravidian movements for liberation that came before them; these movements were weapons against the brahmanical plague in Indian society. It is vital that the next generation keep these histories alive.

It is truly humbling to see someone of Thalapathy Vijay’s stature impart the knowledge of these two great leaders to the younger generation. A full video of his magnificent speech can be viewed by clicking the link below.