Self-Respect Movement: initiated in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy

What does it refer to?

An intense movement for social change opposing caste discrimination, male dominance, and religious conservatism.

Stressed reason, equality, and personal dignity more than ritualism and rank.

Inaugurated on:

1925, Tamil Nadu, via the Tamil magazine Kudi Arasu (Republic).

Leaders:

E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) – originator and primary thinker.

Inspired by prior reformists such as Iyothee Thass, Jyotirao Phule, and B.R. Ambedkar.

Initially backed by the Justice Party, it later transformed into the Dravidar Kazhagam.

Objective:

To eliminate caste hierarchy and Brahmanical authority.

Encourage self-esteem, societal fairness, and gender equity.

Redirect the emphasis of reform from elite non-Brahmins to the general populace.

Attributes:

Advocacy for self-respect marriages (without clergy, caste traditions).

Advocacy for women’s rights: remarriage for widows, divorce rights, property ownership, reproductive rights.

Promoted marriages between different castes and equality among genders.

Intense criticism of faith, superstition, and male dominance.

Dismissal of Congress’s “faith-colored nationalism” and Gandhian traditionalism.

Focus on Dravidian identity and rationalist ideology.

Significance:

Provided non-Brahmin communities with a sense of self-worth and political awareness.

Establishing groundwork for Dravidian political ideologies and welfare-focused administration in Tamil Nadu.