Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a major new initiative called Ungaludan Stalin (meaning Stalin with You) aimed at strengthening the bond between the government and the people, especially those from marginalised communities.

On July 15, 2025, Mr. Stalin formally inaugurated this State-wide programme at Chidambaram while also unveiling the memorial hall and statue of L. Elayaperumal, a historic leader of the Scheduled Caste community and former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president.

Through this initiative, Stalin reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Dravidian model of governance, which focuses on social justice, equality, and development for the most disadvantaged sections of society.

The Idea Behind Ungaludan Stalin

Ungaludan Stalin is a State-wide, participatory governance initiative where the Chief Minister and his team will engage directly with citizens, listen to grievances, and solve issues on the spot or escalate them to relevant departments.

Key goals include:

• Making government accessible and accountable.

• Building trust with citizens, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

• Ensuring the delivery of welfare schemes without discrimination.

• Giving a voice to those who have traditionally been ignored or oppressed.

Mr. Stalin emphasised that the government should not be seen as an institution far removed from the people. Instead, it should work as a partner in their progress.

Dravidian Model and Social Justice

During the launch, Chief Minister Stalin spoke passionately about the Dravidian model of government.

He explained that the Dravidian movement has a long history of fighting caste-based oppression and improving the lives of Adi-Dravidars and Scheduled Tribes.

He highlighted several key welfare schemes over the decades that have focused on:

• Education for Dalit and tribal children.

• Land distribution and housing.

• Scholarships and hostels for students.

• Economic empowerment through reservations and subsidies.

But, he was honest in admitting that these efforts, while important, are not enough.

“We have to go several miles to reach the goals of self-respect and a society without discrimination,” he said.

Honouring L. Elayaperumal

Another major part of the event was the inauguration of a memorial hall and statue of L. Elayaperumal in Chidambaram.

Elayaperumal was a prominent Scheduled Caste leader, former TNCC president, and a tireless campaigner for social justice and equality.

By commemorating him, the Tamil Nadu government aimed to:

• Honour the legacy of leaders from marginalised communities.

• Remind society of the sacrifices made for social reform.

• Inspire younger generations to continue the fight against discrimination.

Mr. Stalin said it was the duty of the government to remember and celebrate such leaders who dedicated their lives to uplifting the oppressed.

Removing the Term ‘Colony’ from Records

In a historic move, Mr. Stalin announced that the Tamil Nadu government has officially removed the word ‘colony’ from all government records when describing settlements of Scheduled Castes.

For decades, the term ‘colony’ has been used in Tamil Nadu (and other parts of India) to indicate habitations specifically for Dalits. But over time, the word came to symbolise oppression and carried the connotation of untouchability.

By removing it, the government aims to:

• Eliminate casteist terminology from official language.

• Dignify the living spaces of Scheduled Castes.

• Promote a society free from discriminatory labels.

Mr. Stalin called this an important step in the larger battle against caste-based discrimination.

Building on Existing Welfare Measures

Ungaludan Stalin is not just symbolic. It is meant to build on and strengthen existing welfare programmes aimed at Scheduled Castes and Tribes, such as:

• Scholarships for students from SC/ST communities.

• Free coaching centres for competitive exams.

• Hostels and educational infrastructure in remote areas.

• Economic assistance for small businesses run by SC/ST entrepreneurs.

• Reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

Mr. Stalin said his government would actively monitor the delivery of these schemes to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Addressing Structural Inequalities

While schemes and policies help, Stalin acknowledged that Tamil Nadu still has structural inequalities that hold back Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Some challenges include:

• Untouchability practices persisting in some rural areas.

• Social exclusion in schools and workplaces.

• Economic disparities and limited access to capital.

• Discrimination in housing and land ownership.

The Chief Minister said that the government will take these challenges head-on and work towards long-term solutions.

Importance of Grassroots Engagement

Ungaludan Stalin is designed to be a grassroots initiative.

By meeting people directly, the Chief Minister hopes to:

• Break bureaucratic barriers that keep the poor away from power.

• Hear grievances first-hand rather than through filters.

• Build trust between citizens and the administration.

• Encourage active participation from all sections of society.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) will coordinate with district administrations to ensure quick redressal of issues raised.

Emphasis on Self-Respect

Throughout his speech, Mr. Stalin repeatedly used the term “self-respect”—a core principle of the Dravidian movement.

He argued that true development is not just about infrastructure or welfare but about:

• Empowering people to live with dignity.

• Eradicating casteist mindsets.

• Building a just, equitable society.

By removing terms like ‘colony’ and honouring leaders like Elayaperumal, the government wants to change attitudes and promote equality.

Reactions and Political Significance

The launch of Ungaludan Stalin has been welcomed by many social justice activists, who see it as a meaningful attempt to address historical wrongs.

Political analysts also see this as a clever strategy ahead of local body elections, as it allows Stalin to connect directly with voters, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

Opposition parties have criticised it as a political gimmick, but supporters argue that even symbolic changes matter in changing society’s mindset.

Conclusion

Ungaludan Stalin represents an ambitious effort to make governance participatory, accountable, and people-centric.

It is not just about redressal of grievances but also about building an inclusive, dignified society where caste discrimination is actively challenged.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s message is clear: Tamil Nadu will not rest until every citizen, regardless of caste or community, lives with self-respect and equality.

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