K. Veeramani, is the leader of Dravidar Kazhagam , an Indian organization centered in Tamil Nadu, opposed to the caste system and dedicated to the welfare of non-Brahmins. He succeeded the late Thanthai Periyar E.V. Ramasami, the founder and first leader of the organization.

Veeramani was born in a middle class family in Cuddalore, South Arcot District, Tamilnadu on December 2, 1933. He had his primary education at Cuddalore and entered Annamalai University for higher education. He obtained his masters degree in Economics in 1956 with a Gold medal for being the top scorer in his class. He received his Bachelor of Law degree from Madras University in 1960. He married his wife Mohana in 1958 and has two sons and two daughters. The fact that Mohana is not from his caste is considered by his followers as a symbol of caste denial.

Apart from one year in which he practiced as a lawyer in Cuddalore, his career has been as a social worker. He began working with Periyar in 1956, and assisted Periyar in editing Viduthalai , the rationalist daily of Dravidar Kazhagam. He was active in the social campaigns and agitations launched by Periyar, and was incarcerated forty times for his activities. In 1962 he was made the Executive Editor of Viduthalai and since 1978 has been the Editor.

He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Literature(D.Litt.) (honoris causa) by Alagappa University on 4th April 2003. Periyar International Inc., (USA) gives an annual award for outstanding contributions to Social Justice, which is named his honor. Mr. V. P. Singh, former Prime Minister of India, was the first recipient of the award.

External links

• Periyar - Official homepage of Periyar
• Dravidar Kazhagam - Official homepage of Dravidar Kazhagam with Objective, Public life of Periyar, Attitude, Resolutions, etc

Magazines

• Viduthalai
• Unmai
• The Modern Rationalist
• Periyar Pinju