100 Years of the Self-Respect Movement | 08 Sep 2025

Source: TH

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.