DMK's religious doctrine has been always progressive than the times. In Parasakthi, Kalaignar wrote temples are needed, (cont..)

Reflecting on the Dravidian movement's profound philosophical nuance regarding faith and society, DMK Treasurer M. K. Stalin on April 10, 2014, noted that the DMK's religious doctrine has always been far more progressive, humane, and forward-looking than its contemporary critics realized. Stalin cited Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi's historic, revolutionary dialogue from the 1952 cinematic masterpiece Parasakthi, where Kalaignar wrote with visionary clarity that temples are indeed needed for society, but emphasized that they must exist to serve the spiritual and moral uplift of ordinary people rather than functioning as instruments of social dominance. He explained that the Dravidian movement never waged war against personal spiritual beliefs, but fought courageously against priestly monopoly, caste-based exclusion, and the financial exploitation of gullible devotees. Stalin highlighted that previous DMK governments translated this philosophy into progressive reality by mandating Tamil hymns in temple sanctums, training archakas from all communities, and protecting temple properties through transparent administrative stewardship. He affirmed that the DMK continues to uphold Perarignar Anna's vision of universal brotherhood, championing a society where faith nurtures harmony, equality, and compassion for all human beings.