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.
| [UPSC 2025] Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?
Options: (a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker* (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar |
