Tsunami anniversary: T.N. fishermen reiterate demand for Scheduled Tribe status

On the anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, on Friday (December 26, 2025), fishermen reiterated their demand to be categorised as Scheduled Tribes (ST) so that they can get greater representation in education. Community leader Durai Mahendran said that without reservation, the community has remained socially and educationally backward, with no IAS officers or judges from among its members. “We are fighting for space among the MBCs [Most Backward Classes]. Other States have granted the ST status to the fishing community. With respect to us, successive governments have only made empty promises,” he pointed out. Community leader K. Bharathi said the day served as a reminder to fishers of their position. “Although we are among the first responders, the government lacks a clear plan for responding when a calamity strikes the coast. We do not have pattas for our homes and are losing land to various projects. Reservation in education for our children is necessary to ensure sustainable livelihoods,” he said. Fishermen from villages in and around Chennai did not venture out into the sea on Friday and prayed to the Goddess of the Sea by pouring milk and offering flowers. Published - December 27, 2025 10:59 am IST

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