Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and the Self-Respect Movement
6 Sep 2025
2025 marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement (1925–2025).
About Self Respect Movement
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, a social reformer and later founder of Dravidar Kazhagam, launched the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu (Republic) which paved the way for the formal beginning of the movement.
It was a radical social reform initiative that redefined political and social discourse in Tamil Nadu, focusing on caste, gender, and rationalist critique of Hindu orthodoxy.
Origin of the Movement
Emerged after Periyar’s resignation from Congress (1925), disillusioned with caste bias and Gandhi’s religion-tinted politics.
His address at the Justice Party special conference in Coimbatore (1925) highlighted:
Justice Party’s failure to mobilise masses.
Risk of creating a non-Brahmin elite that might become as oppressive as Brahmin oligarchy.
Kudi Arasu (1925) became a powerful medium to articulate radical non-Brahmin politics and reach wider society.
Ideological Foundations
Core Idea: Establishment of a society based on equality, rationalism, and self-respect, free from caste hierarchy and Brahminical dominance.
Strong opposition to:
Hindu religion & rituals as perpetuators of caste.
Gandhi-led Congress, seen as a bastion of Hindu orthodoxy.
Advocated for social reform before political independence, unlike Congress which prioritised Swaraj.
Key Features of the Self-Respect Movement
Radical Social Reform:
Self-respect marriages (without priests or religious rituals).
Promotion of widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, right to divorce.
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format Integration of PYQ within the booklet Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now ! UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format Integration of PYQ within the booklet Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
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