Highlights
- A massive pro-Palestine rally was held in Chennai with over 5,000 participants.
- Actor Prakash Raj blamed PM Narendra Modi, the United States, and others for remaining silent on Gaza.
- He recited poems, stressing that silence in the face of injustice deepens wounds.
- The rally was organised by Periyarist, Dravidianist, and Islamist groups.
- Leaders like Thol. Thirumavalavan, M.H. Jawahirullah, Thirumurugan Gandhi, and actors Sathyaraj and Vetri Maaran attended.
Rally in Chennai Against Gaza War
On 19 September 2025, a large rally was held in Chennai to protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The demonstration was organised by Islamist and Dravidianist groups and drew a crowd of more than 5,000 people. It took place at Langs Garden Road in Pudupet.
Prominent leaders such as Thol. Thirumavalavan (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi), M.H. Jawahirullah (Manithaneya Makkal Katchi), Dehlan Baqavi (Socialist Democratic Party of India), and Thirumurugan Gandhi (May 17 Movement) joined the protest. Film personalities like Sathyaraj, Prakash Raj, Ameer, and Vetri Maaran were also present.
Prakash Raj’s Strong Criticism
Actor Prakash Raj became the most discussed speaker at the rally. He openly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the Gaza conflict and also blamed the United States for supporting Israel.
He said:
“Why are you artists coming here? If speaking against an injustice is politics, then we will speak politics. There is a poem, this war will end, all the leaders will shake hands and leave, but the truth is that there is a mother waiting for her son, a woman waiting for her husband, children waiting for their father. We do not know who sold this nation and land. But we know who paid the price for it. This is what will happen if we remain silent. There is an answer for them who ask why artist like you talk like this. A poet who says that if I do not want politics in my poetry, I want to hear the sound of birds. If I want to hear the sound of birds, the sound of warplanes must stop. The rain is coming. Finally, I will say a word and speak. What I, all of us, have to say to this world is that even if it is a wound to our individual body, our silence will heal it. But if I remain silent and do nothing for a wounded nation, it will be more of an injury to a country and humanity. Therefore, before we die… we should not die. Let us fight. This voice will be heard. This is not only Israel’s fault but also America’s which supports it, and also Modi, who remains silent, is also responsible. This is not only Israel’s fault, but also the responsibility of the United States, which supports it, and Modi, who remains silent. Everyone who chooses to stay silent is also responsible.”
Read More: United Kingdom to Officially Recognize Palestine as a State
Other Voices at the Rally
- Sathyaraj called the attacks in Gaza “unbearable” and condemned the killing of civilians, comparing it to the Tamil struggle.
- Vetri Maaran described the violence as a “planned genocide,” highlighting bombings on schools, hospitals, and olive trees. He said, “It is my duty and right to attend this protest. All human beings should come together and emphasize the importance of gathering. Change doesn’t happen all at once. But we have to register our protest. You have to express it constantly. That’s our duty.”
- Thol. Thirumavalavan linked the protest to Periyarist politics and condemned American imperialism and Zionism. He also demanded that India take a stronger stance in support of Palestine.
Message of the Protest
The Chennai rally stressed that silence is complicity. Artists, politicians, and activists came together to say that the Gaza crisis is not just Israel’s responsibility, but also that of the United States and other world leaders who choose to remain silent.
The speakers urged continuous protests, international action, and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Source: The Commune
