First Madras Provincial Self Respect Conference 1929
The Modern Rationalist|July 2017

Dr. P. Subbarayan, Chief Minister and Zamindar of Kumaramangalam, while declaring the Conference open said:-

First Madras Provincial Self Respect Conference 1929

I would like to first thank the organizers of the First Provincial Self-respect Conference for asking me to open this Conference. I feel they have done me a great honour. It is indeed a pleasure to me to come here and meet so many of my country men who are interested in the movement of social regeneration. The problem of national regeneration is a wide one and I am glad to note that the Self-respect League is concerned primarily with the social and not the political aspect of the problem as concentration of effort is essential for success. I am also glad to see that this movement, started by friend Mr. E.V. Ramaswami Naicker, is taking firm root and is getting an increasing number of adherents. I have every hope that this movement will rapidly gain in strength and influence.

Before I proceed further, I wish to say a few words about our departed country men who were interested in what this movement stands for. This Conference brings back to my mind all the work that the great social worker, Swami Ishwarananda did in the field of social regeneration. His work was the same that the Self-respect movement now advocates. It is just a year to-day since the soul passed away from amidst us. I therefore feel I must on this occasion refer to his revered memory. Personally too, I have had much inspiration from his life and work and character. I desire also to pay my tribute to the memory of Lala Lajpat Rai, S.R. Das and Rajah of Panagal, men who in their different spheres tried to do all that lay in their power to better the lot of the humble and the lowly. It is for us to cherish their memory and continue their labours.

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