Answer:

The Self-Respect Movement, founded by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) in the 1920s, sought to uplift lower castes and challenge Brahminical dominance in Tamil Nadu, promoting rationalism and gender equality. Concurrently, the Dravidian Movement aimed to assert Dravidian identity advocating for regional pride and political representation. Together, these movements reshaped the socio-political landscape of present India and continue to inspire contemporary discussions on caste and social justice.

Relevance Of The Self-Respect Movement & Dravidian movement In Contemporary Times:

• Challenging Caste Hierarchy: The Self-Respect Movement’s focus on dismantling caste-based hierarchies continues to inspire anti-caste movements across India.
  For instance: Dalit movements in Tamil Nadu draw directly from Periyar’s teachings on social equality and self-respect.
• Advocating Women’s Rights: Periyar’s push for women’s equality resonates with modern efforts for gender justice, including movements for women’s representation and reproductive rights.
  For instance: The movement’s support for self-respect marriages without religious rituals has empowered women to choose their partners freely.
• Promoting Rationalism: The movement’s advocacy for rational thinking and rejection of superstition has found relevance in today’s debates on scientific temper and critical thinking in education.
  For instance: Periyar’s emphasis on atheism and scientific inquiry is echoed in calls to integrate science-based policies in governance.
• Fighting Cultural Homogenization: As cultural nationalism gains ground, the Self-Respect Movement’s stress on regional identity and resistance to cultural homogenization remains relevant.
• Addressing Intersectionality: The movement’s foundation in social justice is increasingly applied to intersectional issues concerning caste, gender, and class in the 21st century.
  For instance: LGBTQIA+ rights activists invoke Periyar’s ideas to advocate for equality across diverse identities..

• Promotion Of Social Justice Through Reservations: The Dravidian Movement’s advocacy for affirmative action continues to shape India’s reservation policies, especially for backward castes.
  For example: Tamil Nadu’s 69% reservation policy in education and employment is a direct outcome of Dravidian ideals.
• Empowering Regional Identity: The movement’s focus on Dravidian pride and Tamil identity has cultivated a deep sense of belonging and cultural affirmation, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant diversity of the Tamil people.

How Their Legacies Shape Current Political Debates In India:

• Federalism Vs. Centralism: The movements emphasised regional autonomy over centralised governance, impacting federalism debates in contemporary India.
• Reservation Policies: The legacy of both movements continues to inspire vibrant discussions on affirmative action and social justice in contemporary politics, promoting inclusivity and equity in society.
• Secularism: Both movements’ anti-religious stances influence contemporary debates on secularism and religious neutrality in governance.
  For instance: Periyar’s rationalist ideas resonate with ongoing discussions about religious influence in politics.
• Caste-Based Political Mobilisation: The mobilisation of backward castes and Dalits continues to be a significant force in Indian politics.
• Anti-Majoritarianism: Resistance to majoritarianism and cultural nationalism has emerged as a pivotal aspect of the state-centre dynamics.
  For instance: The widespread rejection of policies such as one nation, one language.

How Their Legacies Shape Current Social Debates In India:

• Caste-Based Social Movements: The anti-caste ideologies of both movements fuel modern-day campaigns for caste equity and eradication of untouchability.
  For example: Movements like Dalit Panthers have drawn inspiration from Periyar’s teachings.
• Women’s Empowerment: The movements’ emphasis on women’s rights shapes current efforts for gender equality, including campaigns for women’s reservation in politics.
  For example: Periyar’s advocacy for equal property rights for women is cited in contemporary legal reforms.
• Rationalism Vs. Superstition: The rationalist underpinnings of both movements influence contemporary debates on scientific temper and opposition to superstitions in society.
• Linguistic Identity: The Dravidian Movement’s language policies continue to shape Tamil Nadu’s rejection of Hindi and promotion of Tamil identity in education and governance.
  For example: Tamil Nadu’s continued emphasis on Tamil-medium education aligns with Dravidian principles.
• Opposition To Patriarchy: Both movements’ focus on gender justice influences contemporary feminist movements, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
  For example: Campaigns for abolishing dowry and promoting equal marriage rights draw directly from Self-Respect Movement ideals.

The Self-Respect and Dravidian movements remain highly relevant in contemporary India, influencing political and social debates around caste, gender, secularism, and federalism. These movements provide crucial frameworks for resisting cultural homogenization and ensuring that regional, caste, and gender identities are respected and protected. As India faces new social challenges, the principles of these movements continue to offer guidance on promoting social justice and equality.

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