Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy) was a prominent Indian social reformer, political scientist and leader of the Dravid Movement.
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy dedicated his life to the fight against corruption, inequality and caste discrimination.
Periyar is also known as “Thanthai Periyar” (Pita Periyar) and “Vaikom Hero”.
Periyar EV Ramasamy's Birth
Birth Date : 17 September 1879
Place : Tamil Nadu,Erode
Father Name : Venkatappa Naykar
Mother Name : Chinnathayee
The family was mercantile and prosperous
Periyar Ramasamy Education and Professional Life
Periyar received his primary education at a local school in Erode.
Periyar had a deep feeling of social injustice and inequality.
So, after some time he closed down his business.
After that he started working for social reform.
Vaikom Satyagraha and Social Reform
Periyar’s first major movement for social reform was the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25), which took place at a place called Vaikom in Kerala.
This movement was against “untouchability”, in which Dalits were not allowed to enter temples and walk on roads.
Periyar took this Satyagraha forward under his leadership and made it successful.
He got the name of “Vaikom Hero” during this time.
After Vaikom Satyagraha, Periyar raised his voice more loudly against the discrimination and religious divisions prevailing in the society.
Periyar Ramasamy made the establishment of social justice and equality the aim of his life.
Dravid Movement (Dravid Andolan)
Periyar Ramasamy’s biggest contribution was in the form of Dravid Movement.
This movement was against caste discrimination, Brahmanism and imposition of Hindi language in Madras State (present Tamil Nadu).
Through this movement, Periyar strongly raised the rights and identity of the Dravid community.
Self-Respect Movement (Suyamariyathai Iyakkam)
In 1925, Periyar started the Self-Respect Movement (Suyamariyathai Iyakkam).
The main objective of this movement was to bring equality in the society, oppose Brahminism and end casteism.
He taught the people of Dravid community to fight for their rights and made them aware about social justice and identity.
Main
thoughts:
Opposition to Brahmanism: Periyar opposed Brahminism and its rights because according to him Brahminism gave birth to caste discrimination in the society.
Women Empowerment: Periyar also fought for the rights and equality of women.
He promoted women education and opposed child marriage, dowry system and male dominance.
Opposition to Religious Orthodoxy: Periyar opposed Hinduism and its book “Manusmriti”.
He said that these books and religions promote casteism and establish social inequality.
Justice Party and Political Life
Periyar Ramasamy joined the Justice Party in the 1930s, which was a political platform for the Dravid Movement.
The Justice Party was anti-Brahmin and against casteism.
The main objective of this party was to give political and social rights to the Dravid community of South India.
In 1944, Periyar changed the name of Justice Party to Dravidar Kazhagam.
He saw Dravidar Kazhagam as a social reform organisation that fought against casteism, Brahminism and inequality.
Atheism and Religious Faith
Periyar was an atheist and opposed religious orthodoxy and the symbols of Hinduism.
He said that Hinduism and its principles establish social inequality and caste system.
According to Periyar, the concept of God is created by humans which establishes the caste and class system.
Periyar and Women Empowerment
Periyar Ramasamy paid special attention to women empowerment.
He fought for the rights of women and supported giving them equal rights as men.
He emphasized on promoting women education, opposing dowry system and giving women a frontline in political and social fields.
Periyar's main books and thoughts
Periyar wrote many books and magazines to propagate his views. Some of his important magazines are:
“Kudiyarasu” – This was his magazine which used to write against social reform and caste system.
“Viduthalai” – Through this magazine he conveyed his views to the people of Dravid community.
Through many writings and propaganda he opposed Hindu religion, caste system and idol worship. He believed that “Abolition of Caste” is the only way to social justice.
Conclusion and Periyar's legacy
Periyar Ramasamy’s life is an example of a brave social reformer who fought for social justice and equality. He fought many tough battles in his life and started a strong movement against discrimination and inequality in society.
His belief was:
“Na Jati, Na Dharma, Sirf Humanity” – He inspired society to think beyond its individuality and community.
“New Thinking, New Society” – Periyar’s vision and thoughts were for the creation of a new society based on social justice and equality.
Periyar Ramasamy’s legacy is still alive in Tamil Nadu and other states. His life and thoughts still inspire many movements fighting for social reform, casteism and against inequality.
Death and Legacy
Periyar passed away on 24 December 1973, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 94. His work has had a lasting impact on Tamil society and politics.
Legacy Highlights:
Social Reforms: He is credited with shaping Tamil Nadu’s progressive social policies, particularly in education, gender equality, and caste reforms.
Political Influence: The DMK and AIADMK, two major political parties in Tamil Nadu, trace their origins to Periyar’s ideology.
Statues and Memorials: Numerous statues of Periyar can be found across Tamil Nadu, and his birthday is celebrated as “Social Justice Day.
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