Why in the News?

This year marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu, a transformative socio-political reform movement.

About Self-Respect Movement:

• Overview: Started in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy Periyar in Tamil Nadu after his exit from the Indian National Congress.
• Aim: To challenge Brahminical dominance, caste hierarchy, patriarchy, and blind religious practices; to create a rational, egalitarian society.
• Methods:
  • Promotion of Self-Respect Marriages (without priests or caste rituals).
  • Advocacy of women’s rights – widow remarriage, divorce, property rights, inter-caste marriage.
  • Use of Kudi Arasu journal for spreading radical ideas and reform propaganda.
• Significance:
  • Laid the foundation of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.
  • Prioritized social reform over political independence.
  • Gave marginalized communities and women a platform for dignity and equality.

Who was E.V. Ramasamy Periyar?

• Overview: Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy (1879–1973), popularly known as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar (“Father Periyar”).
• Identity: Social reformer, rationalist, and political thinker; called the “Father of the Dravidian Movement.”
• Key Roles:
  • Led the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) in Kerala against caste restrictions in temples, earning the title “Vaikom Hero.”
  • Founded the Self-Respect Movement (1925) and later Dravidar Kazhagam.
• Ideology:
  • Advocated rationalism, atheism, equality, and eradication of caste.
  • Strongly opposed gender inequality and social exploitation.
• Legacy: Inspired later Dravidian parties (DMK, AIADMK) and influenced Tamil Nadu’s policies on social justice, women’s rights, and education.

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