The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu):
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday paid homage to social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, on his 52nd death anniversary, describing him as a towering leader who championed self-respect, rationalism, and social equality.
In a post on X, Stalin said Periyar empowered people to stand tall with dignity and devoted his life to the welfare of Tamil society. Emphasising the continued relevance of Periyar’s ideals, the Chief Minister asserted that Tamils would never bow to domination, as rational thought, humanism, and equality remain the guiding principles of the state.
Stalin said Periyar “straightened bent backs” and instilled pride and self-respect among the people. He added that attempts to undermine Periyar’s legacy would fail as long as Tamil Nadu remained united and committed to his values.
DMK MP Kanimozhi also paid tribute, stating that Periyar laid the foundation for the social liberation that Tamil society had aspired to for centuries. She described him as a guiding force who shaped the direction of Tamil society and urged future generations to continue his uncompromising struggle for social justice.
E.V. Ramasamy launched the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to challenge caste hierarchies and Brahminical dominance, while advocating rationalism, gender equality, and social reform. The movement played a crucial role in uplifting non-Brahmin communities and fostering a distinct Dravidian identity in Tamil Nadu.
The year 1925 marked a turning point in the movement’s history with the launch of the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu in May and Periyar’s departure from the Indian National Congress (INC) in November. While his exit from the Congress is often regarded as the formal beginning of the Self-Respect Movement, Kudi Arasu had already introduced a powerful platform for social reform in the Madras Presidency.
Following his departure from the INC, Periyar used the publication to openly criticise caste orthodoxy and political institutions, further intensifying his campaign against social inequality. His ideas later became the ideological foundation of the Dravidian Movement, which continues to shape Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape.
