Hindus, the BJP and the irrelevance of Periyar ideology in Malaysia
Swashna Subramaniam – Arora
This piece is a counter argument to an article authored by Urimai president P Ramasamy who subscribes to Periyarism, Dravidianism and the Aryan-Dravidian divide theory. It highlights the importance of the Hindu faith, the relevance of the BJP and the irrelevance of the Periyar ideology in Malaysia.
This is especially so because the founder of Periyarism – EV Ramasamy was anti- Hindu, an anathema to the first pillar of Rukunegara.
Brahmins as Torchbearers of Sanatana Dharma
Brahmins, traditionally regarded as the custodians of Sanatana Dharma, have played a crucial role in preserving Hindu philosophy, rituals, and sacred texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. They are not just a caste but represent a lineage of scholars and spiritual guides who have contributed to the intellectual and spiritual enrichment of Hindu society.
If P Ramasamy is identified as a “Professor,” highlighting his scholarly achievements, then it is inconsistent to criticize Brahmins, who have historically been the scholars of Hinduism. Just as academia respects subject matter experts, Brahmins should be acknowledged for their dedication to maintaining and advancing the knowledge systems of Hinduism. Targeting them undermines the cultural and spiritual foundations they helped build and preserve.
BJP’s Secular Vision and Inclusive Governance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) operates on a platform of inclusive development, emphasizing equality and progress for all communities. Contrary to its critics, the BJP ensures the protection of every religion and its practices while promoting India’s cultural heritage. Initiatives such as Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas focus on inclusivity and upliftment, making no distinction based on religion.
The BJP’s efforts to preserve India’s ancient traditions, restore temples, and foster pride in cultural heritage resonate with Hindus and Tamils globally, including those in Malaysia. By striking a balance between religious respect and development, the BJP’s approach ensures that India’s progress does not come at the expense of its diversity or spiritual values.
Periyar’s Controversial Ideology and Actions
While Periyar Ramasamy played a role in challenging caste discrimination, aspects of his ideology and personal actions are at odds with traditional Tamil values and Malaysian societal norms. For instance, his decision to marry his adopted daughter has been widely criticized as unethical and inconsistent with Tamil moral and family values. Such actions are unlikely to resonate with the Malaysian Tamil community, which values familial integrity and traditional norms.
Periyar’s anti-religious rhetoric, including his opposition to temple worship and desecration of Hindu symbols, alienates the devout Tamil population in Malaysia. His ideology, rooted in the socio-political struggles of colonial Tamil Nadu, does not address the unique challenges faced by Malaysian Tamils, such as economic uplift, education, and cultural preservation.

Temples and Tamil Identity
For centuries, Tamils have been ardent upholders of Vedanta and Sanatana Dharma, reflected in the grandeur and spiritual significance of Tamil Nadu’s historic temples. These include:
- Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai
- Natarajar Temple in Chidambaram
- Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur
- Sri Ranganathar Temple in Srirangam
- Murugan Temple in Palani
- Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram
These temples are not merely architectural marvels but centers of devotion and culture, showcasing the Tamil people’s deep connection to Sanatana Dharma and Vedantic philosophy. Their survival and prominence today stand as a testament to Tamil society’s reverence for Hindu traditions.
In contrast, Periyar’s opposition to temple worship and his attempts to undermine Hindu traditions disregard this profound cultural heritage. This ideology does not align with the values of Malaysian Tamils, for whom temples are vital to preserving their identity and community.
Dravidian Ideology’s Irrelevance in Malaysia
Periyar’s Dravidian ideology sought to unite South Indian communities under a collective identity, yet this framework is largely irrelevant to the Malaysian Tamil diaspora. Unlike Tamil Nadu, where caste and Brahminical dominance were focal issues, Malaysian Tamils face different challenges, such as economic opportunities, equal representation, and access to education.
Furthermore, the anti-religious and anti-Hindu aspects of Dravidian ideology conflict with the values of Malaysian Tamils, who cherish their Hindu traditions, temple worship, and festivals as key components of their identity. Dravidian ideology’s atheistic and divisive rhetoric risks alienating a community that values unity and cultural preservation.
BJP’s Alignment with Global Tamil and Hindu Aspirations
The BJP’s focus on cultural preservation, temple restoration, and support for the Indian diaspora aligns with the aspirations of Malaysian Hindus and Tamils. Programs promoting India’s ancient heritage, along with outreach to Tamil communities abroad, foster a sense of pride and connection to their roots.
The BJP’s secular yet culturally aware governance model offers a constructive path forward, contrasting with the divisive and outdated rhetoric of Periyar’s ideology. Its focus on unity, development, and cultural pride resonates far more strongly with Malaysian Tamils than the confrontational approach of Dravidian movements.
Conclusion
Brahmins, as scholars of Sanatana Dharma, and temples, as centers of Tamil cultural and spiritual life, form the bedrock of Tamil identity.
Periyar’s ideology, while historically significant in Tamil Nadu, has little relevance to the Malaysian context, where Tamil identity is deeply intertwined with Hindu traditions and Vedantic principles.
The BJP’s secular and inclusive approach, which respects all religions while promoting India’s heritage, provides a more meaningful and relevant framework for Malaysian Tamils to preserve their culture, address their challenges and thrive globally.
Swashna Subramaniam – Arora is a Malaysian Hindu who reads Harapan Daily.