Nadars Today
The social and economical development achieved by Nadars in independent India have evoked academic interest and appreciation across the world. The Nadar caste entered many professions in the 20th century, from "high-tech entreprenuer" to owner of a large dairy company. Nadar businessmen and Professor Varshney all pointed to educational opportunities that allowed Nadars to enter high-class professions. The Nadars, who were once not allowed to enter Hindu temples built by castes above them, now occupy respected positions as Trustees in many Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu. The Nadars today are a powerful community. They are financially very strong and are also politically influential in the Southern Tirunelveli regions of Nanguneri, Srivaikuntam, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin and Kaniyakumari. There is a Nadar in almost every political party. The community also has influential Tamil media houses, such as Dina Thanthi.
Crawford Young has said that:
Today, the Nadars are recognized as an "advanced" community – a status reversal accomplished over the past century through caste horizontal mobilization of caste solidarity, challenge to servile traditional ascription through ritual transformations, effective utilization of modern opportunity through education and commerce, and skilful communal exploitation of the political arena.
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