5 reformers who have inspired actor Vijay: K Kamaraj, Periyar to B R Ambedkar

The TVK’s launch anthem, “Tamizhan Kodi Parakuthu … Thalaivan Yugam Porakuthu (The Tamil flag flies high … A leader’s time has arrived)”, borrows lyrics from iconic songs sung by AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran in the 1950s, with the anthem signalling a revival of Tamil aspirations.

Vijay’s move into politics is not a spontaneous decision but a carefully calculated attempt to forge a new political identity in a state historically dominated by the Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK. The party flag is a vibrant combination of red, yellow, green, and blue, symbolising a blend of social justice, unity, and modernity.

These are the five reformers whose images dotted the rally venue:

K Kamaraj: K Kamaraj was born in 1903 and was a freedom fighter, credited to have participated in the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India movement. He became the first chief minister of Madras province — which consisted of the current state of Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala — in India in 1954. He later became the president of the Indian National Congress and is known for rebuilding the party after the Indo-China War of 1962.

Periyar: Popularly known in Tamil Nadu as Thanthai Periyar, Periyar E V Ramasamy is largely known as the father of the Dravidian Movement. He rallied for a Dravidian state and protested against the imposition of Hindi on Tamils. A social reformer who supported female literacy, Vijay said Periyar inspired him to work on empowering women in Tamil Nadu.

Velu Nachiyar: The queen of Sivagangai who waged a war against the East India Company in 1790, Velu Nachiyar is known as “Veeramangai (brave woman)” among Tamils. She was known to have been great at archery and scholarship alike. According to members of Vijay’s party, she inspired his “grit to fight a formidable enemy”.

Anjalai Ammal: A social reformer and freedom fighter from Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, Anjalai Ammal is known for her work on female literacy. She participated in the Salt Satyagraha and presided over the Congress’ women’s wing. She inspired Vijay because she “championed the cause of women in pre-Independence India”.

Dr B R Ambedkar: The father of the Indian Constitution was the inspiration behind the anti-caste and secular politics of Vijay’s party.