Rapid Fire
100 Years of the Self-Respect Movement
- 08 Sep 2025
- 1 min read
2025 marked the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement, which advocated rationalism, social equality, and anti-caste ideology.
Self-Respect Movement
- About: It was launched by EV Ramasamy (Periyar) in 1925 in Tamil Nadu, who later established the Dravidar Kazhagam and started the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu (Republic).
- Periyar was influenced by social reformers like Jyotirao Phule and BR Ambedkar, and also participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha.
- Objectives: It aimed to eradicate the caste system, reject Brahminical dominance, and promote rational thinking and individual dignity, as outlined in its pamphlets Namathu Kurikkol and Tiravitak Kalaka Lateiyam.
- Key Features:
- Pioneered Self-Respect Marriages- simple priest-less ceremonies that were legally recognized.
- Fought against social evils like the Devadasi system, caste discrimination, and restrictions on widow remarriage.
- Promoted women’s leadership, with notable figures like Annai Meenambal and Veeramal.
- Meenambal bestowed the title ‘Periyar’ on EV Ramaswamy, and was referred to as “my sister Meena” by BR Ambedkar.
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Read More: Caste Movement in India |
