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Dravidian Warrior

Vaiko

Integrity in Statecraft! Sanctity in Service! Tenacity in Vision!

Fighting for Justice • Championing Tamil Rights • Building a Progressive Society

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About

A Life Dedicated to Tamil Pride

From Student Activist to National Leader

Vaiko
V

VAIKO

1994Est. MDMK

V. Gopalsamy, popularly known as Vaiko, was born on May 22, 1944, as the fourth son of the couple Vaiyapuri and Mariammal in Kalingappatti village, near Sankarankovil in the Tirunelveli district. He is married to Renuka Devi and has a son named Durai Vaiyapuri and two daughters, Rajalakshmi and Kannagi.

Vaiko completed his schooling in 1960 at Kalingappatti Government High School. He pursued his P.U.C. in 1961 and his B.A. degree in 1964 at St. Xavier's College in Palayamkottai. Subsequently, he earned his M.A. degree in 1966 at Chennai State College and studied law at Chennai Law College in 1969.

As a Member of Parliament and a tireless advocate for Tamil Nadu's development, Vaiko continues to inspire generations with his vision of a progressive, self-respecting Tamil society.

May 22, 1944
Kalingappatti, Tamil Nadu
Law Graduate
Founder & General Secretary, MDMK
Vision

A Vision for Tamil Nadu

Building a Society Based on Self-Respect and Social Justice

Tamil Rights

Championing the cultural, linguistic, and political rights of Tamils across the globe, ensuring their heritage is preserved and celebrated.

Social Justice

Fighting against caste discrimination and working towards an egalitarian society where every individual is treated with dignity.

Economic Progress

Advocating for policies that promote industrial growth, agricultural prosperity, and employment opportunities for all.

Education

Promoting quality education accessible to all, with emphasis on Tamil medium instruction and skill development.

Environmental Care

Standing firm against projects that harm Tamil Nadu's ecology and advocating for sustainable development.

Federal Rights

Championing state autonomy and fighting for a truly federal structure that respects regional aspirations.

Achievements

Milestones of Dedication

A Legacy of Service and Struggle

1994

Founded MDMK

Established Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam as a party committed to Tamil pride and social justice.

Multiple Terms

Member of Parliament

Served as Rajya Sabha MP, raising Tamil Nadu's voice in the national parliament with distinction.

Lifelong

Eelam Tamil Advocacy

Tirelessly fought for the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils, becoming their most vocal advocate in India.

1965

Anti-Hindi Agitation

Played a significant role in the historic movement to protect Tamil language rights.

2002

LTTE Ban Opposition

Courageously opposed the ban, standing firm in his principles despite personal consequences.

Ongoing

Social Movements

Led numerous movements for farmers' rights, against corruption, and for Tamil Nadu's water rights.

Continuing to serve...
Words of Wisdom

Inspiring Words

Speeches That Move Millions

The time will come when sparrows will topple mighty oaks!

Vaiko

Struggles

Struggles & Protests

A lifetime of fearless resistance against injustice and oppression

1976

MISA Arrest

Arrested under MISA law for opposing the Emergency regime.

1989

Eelam Support Journey

Arrested upon returning to India after meeting LTTE leader.

1995

Kodiyankulam Caste Crisis

Led protests for people's protection against caste violence in Thoothukudi.

1999

Tamil Eelam Support Imprisonment

Imprisoned for 3 months for supporting Sri Lankan Tamils.

2002

POTA Arrest

Arrested under POTA law for pro-LTTE speech.

2003

Mullaiperiyar Protest

Raised voice for farmers against Kerala government for water rights.

2004

POTA Re-arrest

Arrested again upon returning from foreign trip.

2005

Social Justice Movement

Fought for social and political rights of backward communities.

2008

LTTE Support Speech Case

Case filed by government for Tamil Eelam support speech.

2009

Black Friday Condemnation

Led massive rally condemning the massacre of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

2010

Mullaiperiyar Picket

Led 5,000 protesters for water rights, defying police restrictions.

2012

Hindi Textbook Opposition

Supported students against Hindi-dominated textbooks.

2012

Tamil Education Rights Protest

Participated in protests with students for Tamil education rights.

2013

Water Agreement Opposition

Condemned water privatization agreements.

2015

Youth Rights Protest

Protested for youth rights including employment and educational equality.

2017

Jallikattu Support

Participated in legal battle for Tamil traditions.

2020

Farmers Rights Protest

Protested with farmers against central government laws.

2022

Marginalized Rights Protest

Opposed government over wage loss and reservation inadequacy.

Vaiko in protest

A Warrior for Justice

50+
Years of Struggle
10+
Times Arrested
100+
Movements Led
Causes Championed

The struggle for justice may be long, but the triumph of truth is inevitable.

— Vaiko
The struggle continues...

Speeches & Addresses

Watch Vaiko's powerful speeches on various issues affecting Tamil Nadu and Tamils worldwide

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Parliament
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Parliament
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Parliament
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Parliament
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Parliament
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Parliament
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Parliament
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Water Rights
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Water Rights
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Water Rights
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Water Rights
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Water Rights
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Social Issues
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Social Issues
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Social Issues
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Social Issues
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Agriculture
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Agriculture
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Agriculture
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Agriculture

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Contact

Get in Touch

Connect with the Movement

Office Address

MDMK Head Office
Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Phone

+91 44 XXXX XXXX

Email

contact@vaiko.in

Follow Us

V

Vaiko

Voice of Tamil Pride

Founder of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Dedicated to Tamil rights and social justice.

Official MDMK Website

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"Tamil is our life, our existence, our identity"

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