Draft:Students' Federation of Dravidians
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|  |
 Official logo of SFD | |
| Abbreviation | SFD |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2023 |
| Type | Student organization |
| Purpose | Social justice, Anti-caste activism, Dravidian unity |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
Region served | India |
| Membership | Students from marginalized communities |
National Organiser | Elaiyakumar Raman |
| Affiliations | Dravidar Kazhagam, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
Students' Federation of Dravidians
[edit]The Students' Federation of Dravidians (SFD) is a student organization based in India, focusing on social justice, anti-caste activism, and the promotion of Dravidian unity. It was founded in 2023 and is aligned with the Dravidian movement, drawing inspiration from social reformers such as Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The organization's primary objectives include advocating for rationalism, secularism, and promoting educational opportunities for historically marginalized groups, such as Dalits, Tribals, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
History
[edit]SFD was established in March 2023 with the aim of promoting rationalist and anti-caste ideologies within student communities. A significant early initiative was the introduction of 50 English translations of Periyar’s works, which sought to make rationalist ideas more accessible to a wider audience. The event was attended by scholars, educators, and activists, demonstrating the organization's commitment to social justice and equality.[1]
The establishment of SFD was partly in response to caste-based discrimination within Indian educational institutions and broader society. Through its campaigns and activities, the organization encourages students from marginalized backgrounds to engage in social and political advocacy.
Objectives
[edit]The key objectives of the Students' Federation of Dravidians include:
Social Justice in Education : The organization aims to address caste-based discrimination within educational institutions and advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to educational resources for marginalized communities.
Promotion of Rationalism : Reflecting the ideologies of Periyar and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, SFD advocates for rationalist and secular thinking, opposing religious orthodoxy and promoting social equality.
Policy Advocacy and Reform : SFD has expressed concerns about certain national education policies, such as the NEP 2020 [2], NEET [3], and CUET [4], which the organization believes may disproportionately affect marginalized communities. SFD advocates for alternative educational frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and social justice.
Dravidian Ideology and Identity : SFD aligns with Dravidian ideologies, working to promote social justice, regional autonomy, and anti-caste activism inspired by historical figures like Periyar and Ambedkar.
Activities
[edit]SFD engages in a variety of activities that include educational reform campaigns, student welfare initiatives, and public advocacy on social issues:
Public Engagements and Campaigns : The organization organizes state-level discussions, awareness programs, and competitions to promote the ideals of Dravidian reformers. These events provide platforms for debate on issues such as social justice, caste discrimination, and educational reforms.
Student Welfare Initiatives : SFD advocates for better access to education for marginalized students, including supporting policies related to scholarships, hostel facilities, and equitable educational experiences.
Protests and Demonstrations : The federation organizes protests and demonstrations to challenge discriminatory policies and highlight the rights of students from marginalized communities.
Online presence
[edit]SFD maintains an active presence on social media platforms to engage with students, activists, and the general public. The organization uses these platforms to share updates, organize events, and mobilize support for its initiatives.
Leadership
[edit]The Students' Federation of Dravidians is led by Elaiyakumar Raman, a research scholar and anti-caste activist. Raman serves as the National Organiser of the organization and has played a key role in its growth and activities. Under his leadership, SFD has gained recognition in several universities across India.
Recent advocacy
[edit]In April 2025, SFD extended its support to students at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in Tamil Nadu, who were protesting the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS). The students had raised concerns about the ministry's handling of an assistant registrar accused of rape. SFD condemned the ministry's inaction and called for the removal of the accused official.[5]
SFD also raised concerns about leadership vacancies at RGNIYD, including the absence of permanent posts for the Director and Registrar. The organization urged MoYAS to address these administrative issues to restore institutional accountability.
Protest against UGC draft regulations 2025
[edit]On February 6, 2025, SFD participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, alongside the DMK Students’ Wing, opposing the University Grants Commission (UGC) Draft Regulations 2025. The protest was organized in response to concerns about the centralization of higher education and its potential impact on state autonomy.
SFD criticized the draft regulations for allegedly promoting Aryan-centric historical narratives that could marginalize regional histories, particularly those associated with the Dravidian movement. The organization argued against the appointment of state governors as chancellors of universities and called for education to be placed back in the State List of the Indian Constitution.
Kalaignar Common Kitchens and Dining Halls
[edit]SFD has called on the Tamil Nadu government to establish "Kalaignar Common Kitchens and Dining Halls" throughout the state. This initiative builds on the Tamil Nadu government's 2021 launch of Kalaignar Canteens, aimed at providing affordable meals. SFD advocates for expanding this initiative by introducing cloud kitchens within municipalities and a food distribution model inspired by the Union Government's ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to improve food security across Tamil Nadu.[6]
Book Launch: The Right to Internal Reservations (2024)
[edit]On December 10, 2024, to mark International Human Rights Day, the book The Right to Internal Reservations by Kolathur Mani was launched at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The event was organized jointly by the Movement for Scavengers Community and SFD.
The event highlighted ongoing caste-based discrimination and manual scavenging, a practice that affects over 1.2 million people in India, as noted in a 2014 report by Human Rights Watch.[7]
M. M. Abdulla, a Rajya Sabha member from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), launched the book and delivered the keynote address, underscoring the importance of social justice and affirmative action policies.
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Cover of the book
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ https://theleaflet.in/affirmative-action/students-federation-of-dravidians-launched-with-introduction-of-50-books-on-periyar-translated-into-english
- ^ https://x.com/SFDravidians/status/1893633586940576008
- ^ https://x.com/SFDravidians/status/1802347943061864852
- ^ https://x.com/SFDravidians/status/1801998427028586916
- ^ https://x.com/SFDravidians/status/1908089534836768874
- ^ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu-government-to-launch-500-kalaignar-canteens-1054458.html
- ^ "Cleaning Human Waste: "Manual Scavenging," Caste, and Discrimination in India". Human Rights Watch. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2025.