DRAVIDIAN MODEL OF GOVERNANCE: A DEMOCRATIC APPROACH TO ENSURE SOCIAL JUSTICE IN TAMIL NADU'S POLITICAL ECONOMY

This paper explores the Dravidian model of governance in Tamil Nadu as a distinctive democratic framework aimed at advancing social justice and inclusive development. Emerging from the rationalist and egalitarian ideals of the Dravidian movement, this model has shaped the state's political economy through policies rooted in secularism, social equity, and empowerment of marginalized communities. By examining the historical trajectory and ideological foundations of key Dravidian political parties—primarily the DMK and AIADMK—the paper analyses how their governance strategies translated into progressive outcomes in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and gender equity. The paper also considers the evolving challenges to the model in a changing political and economic context, questioning its adaptability and long-term sustainability. Eventually, the Dravidian model is presented not only as a regional success story but also as a potential template for equitable governance in other pluralistic societies confronting structural inequalities.

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DRAVIDIAN MODEL OF GOVERNANCE: A DEMOCRATIC APPROACH TO ENSURE SOCIAL JUSTICE IN TAMIL NADU'S POLITICAL ECONOMY

Professor of Economics G. Sathis Kumar

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