1. Ambedkar Makkal Iyakkam (Ambedkar People Movement)
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Founded in 1977 by Dr. V. Balasundaram in Chennai, this movement continues to champion social welfare, human rights, women’s welfare, Panchami land recovery, and educational upliftment. Leadership transitioned in 2020 to Ilamurugu Muthu.Wikipedia
2. Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF)
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An initiative aligned with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), TNUEF has consistently fought caste oppression—most notably helping dismantle the untouchability wall in Uthapuram and campaigning against caste barriers near water sources and temples.
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TNUEF also conducted a state-wide study revealing caste-based segregation in schools, which helped inform reforms like teacher training, curriculum changes, and administrative policies.
3. Puratchi Bharatham Katchi (PBK)
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Originally formed as the “Ambedkar Mandram” in 1978, this organization later became the political party PBK. It advocates for caste equality, focusing on Scheduled Castes’ education, employment, and economic development.Wikipedia
4. Harijan Sevak Sangh (Tamil Nadu Branch)
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Founded in 1932 by Mahatma Gandhi to fight untouchability, this organization runs two schools in Tamil Nadu: a residential middle school in Villupuram and a primary school in Madurai—aimed at serving Dalit and socially marginalized children.
5. Dalithkural & Tamil Nadu Arivar Ambedkar Maiyam Trust (Thanjavur)
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Based in Thanjavur, this trust focuses on the upliftment of Dalits, children, students, women, and the elderly in both rural and urban areas.
6. Madurai Jesuit Downtrodden People Welfare Trust (MJDPWT) & Dr. Ambedkar Cultural Academy (DACA)
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Founded by a Jesuit leader Tony (name unspecified) in the 1990s, MJDPWT and DACA (inaugurated in 2000) focus on education, cultural empowerment, and community development in and around Madurai:
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DACA hosts a girls’ hostel (Vidivelli) and night school rather than a remedial academic center.
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It runs women’s Self-Help Groups, vocational training centers, a teacher training institute, a hospital (later renamed Siddhar Traditional Medical Center), and more than 100 evening study centers across 7 districts.
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7. People’s Watch Tamil Nadu
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Established in Madurai in 1995, this respected human rights NGO engages in field monitoring, legal intervention, human rights education in schools, and victim rehabilitation, evolving into a powerful advocate for Dalits and other marginalized communities.
Summary Table
| Organization / Movement | Location | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Ambedkar Makkal Iyakkam | Chennai (statewide) | Education, women’s welfare, land rights, social justice |
| TN Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) | Tamil Nadu | Eradication of caste oppression, access to shared resources, legal changes |
| Puratchi Bharatham Katchi (PBK) | Tamil Nadu | Political advocacy for SC rights, socio-economic development |
| Harijan Sevak Sangh (Tamil Nadu) | Villupuram, Madurai | Schools for Dalit and OBC children, caste liberation |
| Dalithkural & Arivar Ambedkar Maiyam Trust | Thanjavur | Rural and urban upliftment: women, children, elderly, Dalits |
| MJDPWT / DACA (Dr. Ambedkar Cultural Academy) | Madurai region | Education, healthcare, vocational training, women’s empowerment |
| People’s Watch Tamil Nadu | Madurai (statewide) | Human rights monitoring, legal aid, education, rehabilitation |
Additional Insight: Systemic Reforms via Reports & Research
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TNUEF’s study into caste markers in schools—covering items like kerchiefs, lines, and segregation during meals—triggered important administrative reforms. A one-man committee led by Justice K. Chandru recommended structural changes, including curriculum reform and teacher training, with the government endorsing the report.