Highlights
- Periyar Followers Federation organized a massive rally in Chennai against Gaza Genocide
- Political leaders, social organizations, Muslim groups, and film celebrities joined
- Actor Prakash Raj and Sathyaraj gave emotional speeches condemning violence
- Filmmaker Vetri Maaran called the Gaza Genocide a “planned genocide”
- VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan linked the protest to Periyarist politics and anti-imperialism
- Protesters demanded Palestine be recognized as an independent state and Israel as a genocidal state
Rally in Chennai for Palestine
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Periyar Followers Federation held a massive rally and public meetings in Chennai. The protest was against Israel’s ongoing Gaza Genocide. Thousands of people joined the rally, including political parties, social organizations, and Muslim groups from across Tamil Nadu.
Prominent Figures Who Attended
Several well-known leaders and cultural figures attended the rally, such as:
- Thol. Thirumavalavan – Leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Member of Parliament
- Jawahirullah MLA – Leader of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi
- Thaniyarasu MLA
- Thirumurugan Gandhi – May 17 Movement coordinator
- Actors Sathyaraj and Prakash Raj
- Filmmaker Vetri Maaran
Their presence gave the rally strong visibility and significance.
Prakash Raj: Speaking Against Injustice
Actor Prakash Raj said the rally represented humanity itself.
He remarked:
“This is a gathering of everyone who speaks for humanity. Some ask, ‘Why hold such a meeting?’ If speaking against injustice is politics, then yes, it is politics, and we will speak.”
He directly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United States for their silence.
“Israel alone is not responsible. America is responsible. Modi’s silence is responsible too.”
Read More: United Kingdom to Officially Recognize Palestine as a State
He compared silence over Gaza to ignoring a wound:
“When a wound forms on our body, if I remain silent, it only worsens. Similarly, if a nation suffers a wound and we remain silent, that silence will wound the nation even more.”
He also read moving poems describing war’s impact, reminding that while leaders may shake hands after wars, mothers, wives, and children will continue waiting for their loved ones.
Sathyaraj: Humanity Cannot Accept Bombing Civilians
Actor Sathyaraj condemned Israel’s actions as “unbearable.” He asked how leaders could bomb civilians and still sleep peacefully.
He said:
“They say man evolved from monkeys, but it seems the process stopped halfway; that is why such brutal thinking exists.”
Sathyaraj called for United Nations intervention and compared Gaza’s genocide with the Tamil Eelam struggle, where innocent civilians were also massacred. He stressed that social media gives local protests global power, amplifying voices worldwide.
Vetri Maaran: Gaza is Facing Systematic Genocide
Filmmaker Vetri Maaran called what is happening in Gaza a “planned genocide.” He highlighted bombings on schools, hospitals, and even olive trees that supported Palestinian lives.
He described the humanitarian disaster:
- Gaza declared a famine zone
- One in five children suffering from malnutrition
- Humanitarian aid blocked from entering Gaza
Vetri Maaran said:
“Wherever people are oppressed and killed by oppressors, it is the responsibility of a human being to stand by them… Change doesn’t happen all at once. But we have to register our protest constantly. That’s our duty.”
Thol. Thirumavalavan: Connecting Palestine Struggle with Periyarist Politics
Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of VCK, emphasized that solidarity with Palestine aligns with Periyarist politics. He condemned American imperialism and Israeli Zionism, explaining how the British created Israel during World War I by resettling displaced Jewish populations in Palestine.
He said the US labeled Hamas as a terrorist group, similar to how it once labeled the LTTE during the Sri Lankan conflict. He also criticized the United Nations for delaying recognition of genocide in Gaza, while ignoring the Mullivaikkal massacre.
Thirumavalavan urged India to take a stronger stance for Palestine and called for protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Thirumurugan Gandhi: Call for Global Action
Thirumurugan Gandhi, coordinator of the May 17 Movement, said once the UN recognizes genocide, nations should intervene militarily to protect civilians. He argued that Hamas should be seen as a liberation movement, not terrorism, and demanded that Israel be declared a genocidal state and Palestine an independent nation.
Context of Gaza Genocide
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. At least 435 people, including 147 children, have died due to famine. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Source: Maktoob Media
