Periyar’s 146th birth anniversary: The significance of the iconoclast social reformer

On the 146th anniversary of EV Ramasamy, also known as Periyar, it’s important to look back at his incredible contributions to social, political, and gender reforms. Born in 1879, Periyar is remembered for championing the Self Respect Movement, which aimed to restore the identity and dignity of Tamils. His legacy continues to shape the social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

• Congress worker: Periyar started his political journey as a Congress worker in his hometown of Erode. However, his association with the Congress was short-lived due to ideological differences, especially concerning the question of caste discrimination. One notable incident that drove a division between Periyar and the Congress was his quarrel with Mahatma Gandhi over the issue of separate dining arrangements for Brahmin and non-Brahmin students at Gurukulam, a Congress-sponsored school.

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Life and Works of  EV Ramasamy (Periyar)

• Social Reform Alongside Political Independence:  While the Congress Party focused on India’s independence from British rule, Periyar argued that political and social reforms should go hand in hand. He prioritised addressing caste inequality, believing that Tamil identity was inherently egalitarian and unpolluted by the caste divisions introduced by Aryan invaders from the north. For Periyar, social justice was essential for true freedom.
• Justice Party and the Self Respect Movement: After leaving Congress, Periyar associated himself with the Justice Party and took a leadership role in the Self Respect Movement. The Justice Party had long advocated for reservations for non-Brahmins in the bureaucracy. When they came to power in the Madras Presidency in 1921, they issued orders to implement these policies.   
• Role in the Vaikom Satyagraha: Periyar gained national recognition during the Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924, a mass movement demanding that lower-caste individuals be allowed access to public roads near the Vaikom temple. Periyar, along with his wife, was arrested twice for participating in the agitation. His efforts earned him the title Vaikom Veerar (Hero of Vaikom). This movement not only showcased Periyar’s commitment to the rights of marginalised communities but also solidified his position as a leading social reformer in India.
• Opposition to Hindi Imposition and Tamil Identity: In the 1930s, Periyar opposed the Congress Ministry’s imposition of Hindi, comparing it to Aryanisation and viewing it as an attack on Tamil identity and self-respect.  That is why language is still an emotional issue in Tamil Nadu, rooted in the historical struggle to preserve Tamil culture and autonomy.            
• Founding of Dravidar Kazhagam: Periyar’s vision extended beyond Tamil Nadu. In the 1940s, he founded the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), which advocated for the formation of an independent Dravida Nadu, comprising the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Though this idea did not materialise due to lack of support from other states. Under his leadership, the Dravidian Movement became a powerful force, challenging both caste discrimination and the dominance of Brahmins in Tamil society. Tamil national identity, as asserted by Periyar, often took precedence over Indian national identity, which was more aligned with the Congress’s vision. 
• Social Reforms: Periyar’s social reform agenda was comprehensive, addressing not only caste-based inequalities but also gender and cultural issues. 
  • Advocacy for Gender Equality: He believed that women should not be confined to traditional roles as child-bearers and insisted on equal rights in education and employment. The Self Respect Movement promoted marriages without rituals, divorce rights, and equal property rights for women—radical ideas for that time.
  • Social Equality Initiatives: He appealed to people to abandon caste suffixes in their names, and to not mention caste.  He instituted inter-dining with food cooked by Dalits in public conferences in the 1930s.  These efforts were revolutionary, as they directly challenged deeply ingrained social norms.

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Conclusion

Periyar’s influence in Tamil Nadu remains profound, with his ideas resonating across political parties. He is a symbol of Tamil identity, linguistic pride, and social equality. More than a historical figure, Periyar represents an ideology of self-respect, social justice, and rationalism. His advocacy for the marginalised and commitment to women’s empowerment make him a pioneering social reformer and a lasting symbol of Dravidian pride.