The Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK), led by its general secretary K. Ramakrishnan, observed Valentine’s Day on Saturday (February 14, 2026) in Coimbatore as part of its campaign to uphold individual choice and social equality.
Party functionaries said the programme was organised to emphasise the right of consenting adults to choose their partners without social or moral policing. Mr. Ramakrishnan said the outfit had facilitated more than 10,000 inter-caste and inter-religious marriages over the past 25 years. Referring to the ideals of social reformer Thanthai Periyar, he said public expressions of affection should not be treated as violations of culture or law and condemned honour killings, stating that such acts stem from caste prejudice and social control.
The event was held at Periyar Padipagam in Gandhipuram in the presence of several inter-caste and inter-religious couples. Two new marriages were also conducted on the occasion by the outfit. Participants distributed messages highlighting self-respect, rationalism, and equality.
The organisers said such programmes would continue as part of efforts to counter discrimination and promote social justice.
Published – February 14, 2026 02:40 pm IST
