Periyar EV Ramasamy Remembered on 146th Birth Anniversary

September 18, 2024

Chennai celebrated the 146th birth anniversary of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, on September 17, 2024, a famous social reformer and rationalist from Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, led the tributes, honoring Periyar for his significant contributions to social justice and equality.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Periyar was born in 1879 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. He started his political career as a member of the Congress party. However, he disagreed with how the party handled caste issues, especially the separation of Brahmin and non-Brahmin students in a Congress-run school. This experience led him to question the party’s approach to social equality.

In 1925, Periyar left the Congress and joined the Justice Party, which worked for the rights of non-Brahmin communities. He created the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to challenge the dominance of Brahmins in society and promote social equality for everyone, regardless of caste.

Vaikom Satyagraha and National Recognition

Periyar gained national attention during the Vaikom Satyagraha in 1924, a protest in Kerala that demanded public access for lower-caste individuals near the Vaikom temple. His role in this movement helped establish him as a key leader in the fight for social justice in India.

Creation of Dravidar Kazhagam

In the 1940s, Periyar founded the Dravidar Kazhagam, a political organization that advocated for the formation of “Dravida Nadu.” This was a proposed region that would include speakers of Dravidian languages like Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. His vision was based on the shared cultural and linguistic identity of these southern Indian states.

Social Reforms and Gender Equality

Periyar was a strong advocate for social reforms. He promoted gender equality and pushed for women’s rights, including the right to own property, seek divorce, and live independently. He also encouraged people to move away from caste-based identities and practiced inter-dining, where people of different castes would eat together to break down social barriers.

Periyar’s Legacy

Periyar passed away in 1973, but his ideas continue to influence Tamil society. He is remembered as “Thanthai Periyar,” or the Father of Modern Tamil Nadu, for his efforts to promote self-respect, equality, and rationalist thinking. His work has left a lasting impact on Dravidian politics, and his vision of a just, caste-free society remains relevant today.

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