Periyar’s 137th birth anniversary was celebrated all over Tamil Nadu today. As part of the celebrations in Coimbatore, his statue at Puliyakulam was garlanded by the members of the Untouchability Eradication Front. The members also took an oath to remove caste-based violence and promote unity among various castes and sects in the state.

The function was presided over by U.K. Sivagnanam, the state assistant general secretary of the Untouchability Eradication Front. Also in attendance were the members of CITU, Democratic Youth Federation of India, women’s associations and lawyers’ union.

Prior to the garlanding, they took an oath that they would eliminate forces that are trying to fuel caste-based violence in the state. They also swore to promote unity and create a socialistic society.

A similar function was also held at Irukoor village. Attendees include Advocate Aruchamy, the district head of the Untouchability Eradication Front.

Photos: Members raising slogans after garlanding Periyar’s statue on his birth anniversary.