VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA (1924-25).

The Vaikkam Satyagraha was the first major struggle for the eradication of
untouchability.The main leaders of the Satyagraha were T.K. Madhavan.K.P.Kesava
Menon, Mannath Padmanabhan, C.V. Kunhiraman and K. Kelappan.The Satyagraha was
part of a movement, which demanded temple entry for the untouchables.The Savarna Jatha
organized under Mannath Padmanabhan was one of the highlights of Vaikom
Satyagraha.It was organised by the Savarna Hindus.The jatha came to the capital and
submitted a memorandum pleading for temple entry rights to the Avarnas.The struggle
lasted for about 20 months during which the Satyagrahis were arrested and harassed in
many ways.The Satyagrahis demanded only for granting the right of passage to the
Avarnas along the approach roads to the temple.At last the Satyagraha yielded results
thanks to the intervention of Gandhiji.The approach roads to the temple were opened to all
Hindus, irrespective of caste.Although the declared objective of the Satyagraha was not
granted, the movement helpepd to influence public opinion in the state in favour of temple
entry.By 1928, approach roads to all temples were thrown open to all Hindus in the whole
of Thiruvitamkur.