Udhayanidhi Stalin’s surprise gift to 3 women priests

One of the principles of DMK is 'among nature's creation, everyone is equal'. In reality, discrimination and untouchability are still prevailing, the condition of women is even worse. DMK played a crucial role in eradicating social evils and establishing social justice.

Former CM Karunanidhi, implemented a law which allowed all persons to become priests irrespective of castes. This particular law was challenged in the Supreme Court (SC) by some sections of people. The Supreme Court in 1972 ruled that the law is constitutional and valid since it helps in establishing equality.

Going by the revolutionary judgement of SC, three women have become priests who will enter into the sanctum sanctorum (Garbagriha). Regarding the historic decision, CM Stalin has tweeted this in his twitter page, "Women can become pilots, astronomers and even soldiers but the one thing they cannot do is enter into the sanctum sanctorum even if it is a temple for women deity. Periyar's dream of making all caste people as priests was made into a reality by #Dravidian model government."

Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has invited the three women priests and gifted them android mobiles surprisingly. Here are some details about the 3 women priests and their background information.

Priest Ramya shared with us her personal details and the experience of becoming a priest. Ramya is an MSc. Mathematics graduate who is residing in Meladhanur village of Tittakudi taluk near Virudhachalam. CM Stalin announced the scheme for all persons to become priests irrespective of castes when she completed her studies. The scheme encouraged Ramya to study in Priest Training school in Srirangam.

DMK government took care of the expenses of Ramya's studies and additionally gave Rs.3000. Recently all three women priests received their graduation certificate from CM Stalin and Minister Sekar Babu.

Ramya said, "I am proud and happy to be a woman priest. We three are role models for the future generation women who want to become priests. My sincere thanks to CM Stalin for introducing such a scheme and making me a priest."

She continued, "Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin invited us to his office and gifted android mobiles to us unexpectedly. He genuinely took interest in us and asked about our ambition to become women priests. We are eternally grateful to CM Stalin who fought many legal battles and overcame all the barriers so that women like us can become priests and enter into sanctum sanctorum."

Krishnaveni who also came from Meladhanur village belongs to an agricultural family. In order to become a priest she joined the Srirangam Priest Training school and learnt Vedas, astrology etc.

The third woman priest Ranjitha said, "I belong to an agricultural family residing in Koradacheri village in Thiruvarur district. I completed my studies from government school and government college. After the completion of my college, I came across the scheme for all to become priests and joined the Srirangam Priest Training School. Now I have been selected as one of the first women priests. My aim is to achieve a lot in the religious field."

3-women scenario today has to become 3000 tomorrow! Best wishes for that.