DMK youth wing revives grassroots 'Mandrams' to rebuild cadre base ahead of 2026 TN Assembly polls
Chennai, Feb 21
Even as sections of the DMK's senior leadership attempt to connect with younger audiences through contemporary outreach styles, the DMK Youth Wing has begun reviving traditional 'mandrams' across Tamil Nadu as structured training platforms for a new generation of cadres on the grassroots level.
The first phase of the significant programme was launched on Thursday in the western part of the Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai West district by Youth Wing secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The initiative envisages the formation of youth mandrams in every street with at least 20 members, signalling an ambitious effort to institutionalise political engagement at the neighbourhood level.
Party sources indicate that the move is aimed at strengthening ideological training and deepening grassroots political participation at a time when political mobilisation is increasingly driven by digital campaigns and social media outreach.
By reviving mandrams, the DMK appears to be reinforcing its traditional model of cadre-based politics rooted in collective learning and structured discussion.
Historically, mandrams functioned as ideological nerve centres of the Dravidian movement.
Often named after leaders such as Thiruvalluvar, Periyar, C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, these forums served as local political schools.
Cadres gathered to read party publications, debate contemporary political developments, discuss social issues and organise neighbourhood campaigns and street-corner meetings.
Senior functionaries describe the current initiative as an effort to recreate that ecosystem of political education.
Planned activities include collective reading sessions, policy discussions, outreach programmes and small public meetings designed to familiarise young members with the ideological foundations of the Dravidian movement.
The effort also draws parallels with former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's early 1990s experiment with the Dravida Marumalarchi Mamandram, a postal-based course introduced to provide structured ideological training to party workers.
Political observers view the revival of mandrams as a strategic move ahead of upcoming elections, particularly in the context of shifting voter demographics.
With the emergence of new political formations and a section of young voters perceived as less ideologically anchored, the DMK's renewed focus on cadre-building signals a long-term strategy to consolidate its grassroots presence and reinforce Dravidian political discourse among the next generation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative! Grassroots connection is everything. My grandfather used to attend these mandrams in the 80s. It's where real political awareness begins, not on Twitter. Hope they include discussions on current issues like unemployment and education too. 👍
Seems like a classic DMK strategy before elections. Build the cadre, spread the ideology. But will the youth today have the patience for structured discussions? Everyone wants quick bytes and instant gratification. The challenge is making it engaging.
Interesting read. As an observer of Indian politics, this "back to basics" approach is fascinating. While digital campaigns reach masses, this focuses on depth. A strong cadre base can be a game-changer in tight electoral battles. Will other parties follow?
With all due respect, this feels a bit nostalgic. The world has changed. The Dravidian model needs to address 21st-century Tamil Nadu's problems - tech jobs, climate resilience, urban planning. Hope the mandrams evolve to discuss these, not just past glory.
Anna and Kalaignar always emphasized political education. Udhayanidhi Stalin reviving this is a positive step. But it must be inclusive - should actively encourage young women to participate and lead these mandrams. That's true social justice.
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