On September 17, Tamil Nadu marked the 147th birth anniversary of social reformer E V Ramasamy, also known as Thanthai Periyar. Various political leaders and dignitaries convened in Chennai to pay floral tributes to the highly regarded figure associated with the Dravidian Movement. The gathering took place on Mount Road (Anna Salai) at the statue dedicated to Periyar, where attendees honoured his legacy of advocating for rationalism and social justice.

Among those present were Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. Additionally, state ministers including Aadhav Arjuna, Maria Wilson, and Raj Mohan joined in the tribute. Former Minister Geetha Jeevan, representing DMK, also commemorated Ramasamy’s contributions in Thoothukudi, where she garlanded his statue and offered flowers.

Calls for Observing Social Justice Day

Prior to the anniversary, M K Stalin, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and President of DMK, took to social media platform X to encourage party members to observe September 17 as Social Justice Day. He emphasized that this date not only marks Periyar’s birth but also the establishment of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In his message, he requested that DMK activists actively participate in paying homage by garlanding Periyar’s statue and taking a pledge for social justice at all DMK offices.

Stalin further indicated that the celebrations should be marked by renewing and hoisting party flags, signifying the start of the DMK’s 78th year of existence. His encouragement underlines the significance of Periyar’s legacy and the party’s commitment to his ideals.

Periyar’s influence on social reform is profound, as he has been recognised as the ‘Father of the Dravidian Movement’ and the ‘Father of Modern Tamil Nadu.’ His birth anniversary is annually celebrated in Tamil Nadu, reflecting a commitment to the values of equality and opportunity.

Legacy of Periyar and the Self-Respect Movement

E V Ramasamy initiated the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to dismantle Brahminical dominance and uplift non-Brahmin communities in Tamil Nadu. This movement not only promoted rationalism and gender equality but also actively pursued anti-caste reforms. Through the publication of the journal Kudi Arasu, Periyar aimed to instil a renewed Dravidian identity that encouraged individuals to seek social change.

The year 1925 holds special significance due to two key developments: the initiation of the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu in May and Periyar’s departure from the Indian National Congress later that year. Both occurrences played crucial roles in solidifying the movement’s goals, with the weekly laying foundational ideas for social reform and advocating beyond mere political representation.

Periyar’s exit from the Indian National Congress is often viewed as a pivotal moment in establishing the Self-Respect Movement. After this departure, he utilised Kudi Arasu to provide unfiltered critiques of both the INC and the broader issues of caste orthodoxy, specifically targeting Brahminism. This approach extended the movement’s reach and solidified its resolve for social justice and equality in Tamil Nadu.

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