Around this time, Periyar got into a huge controversy for encouraging Adi-Dravidas (Dalits) to convert to Islam. He had to issue a lengthy explanation in Kudi Arasu for his stance on conversion. He reasoned that Islam was the only religion that did not discriminate on the basis of birth and for an Adi-Dravida, conversion would offer a way to shed his shackles and live a dignified life.
