# Periyar E. V. Ramasamy

**Erode Venkata Ramasamy** (17 September 1879 – 24 December 1973), also called **Periyar**, **Thanthai Periyar** or **E. V. R.** by his followers, was an Indian philosopher, politician, independence and social activist. He started the Self-respect Movement or the dravidian Movement and proposed the creation of an independent state called Dravida Nadu, uniting the states of South India. He was also the founder of the socio-cultural organization, Dravidar Kazhagam. Periyar started his weekly magazine, "Kudi Arasu" to express his views against the Congress party and Mahatma Gandhi.

## Life

Periyar was born in Erode, Madras Presidency in a rich family. At a young age, he witnessed many incidents of racial, caste and gender discrimination. Periyar married when he was 19 and had a daughter who lived for only 5 months. His first wife, Nagammai, died in 1933. He always protested against young women getting married to much older people. Periyar, when he was 72, married for a second time, Maniammai who was 32 at the time in July 1948. His second wife, Maniammai, continued Periyar's social work after his death in 1973, but Dravidar Kazhagam was still spreading his thoughts and ideas.
Periyar fought for the Tamil language, Tamil people, and for their rights until his death. Periyar organized anti-Hindi protests in 1938, against introducing Hindi as a compulsory language of study in schools. Now in the present days, Periyar's followers are increasing all over the world among the Tamil people, due to their interest in Tamil language and history behind them. He revolutionized, protested and advised the peoples to spend money for poor peoples and country developement instead of spending money in temples, spiritual, luxury function.During that period proverty & famine in Dravida Nadu, laterly some oppositions are twisted this message againsts hindus faith & culture. Dravidar Kazhagam is political base and root work in Tamilnadu created by E.V. Periyar Ramasamy Nayakar and spread the knowledge about politics and opened the vision of the peoples. After his death, his wife Maniamai was murdered due to political desire but show outside as suicide. Then DK is broken and formed DMK and take the hardword & name of that E.V.Periyar Ramasamy Nayakar created. Then DMK splitted and Admk is formed. Nayaks names and history was slowly destroyed, stolen and taken by political culprits.

Periyar E.V. Ramasamy was a champion of several progressive ideals that shaped his vision for societal transformation and reformation. Some of these progressive ideals include:

1. Social Equality: Periyar staunchly advocated for the establishment of a society based on principles of social equality. He believed in dismantling entrenched hierarchies based on caste, class, and gender, and worked towards creating a more egalitarian social order where every individual had equal rights and opportunities.

2. Rationalism: Periyar was an ardent proponent of rationalism and scientific thinking. He emphasized the importance of critical reasoning, evidence-based decision-making, and the rejection of superstitions and irrational beliefs. His advocacy for a rationalist mindset aimed to foster a society driven by logic and reason.

3. Gender Equality: A strong advocate for women's rights, Periyar promoted the idea of gender equality and women's empowerment. He strived to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's education, economic independence, and equal participation in all aspects of society.

4. Self-Respect: Periyar's concept of "self-respect" underscored the importance of individual pride, dignity, and self-worth. He encouraged people, especially those from marginalized communities, to have self-respect and reject any form of discrimination or subjugation.

5. Language and Cultural Identity: Periyar emphasized the preservation and promotion of regional languages and cultural identities. He sought to instill pride in the cultural heritage of the Dravidian people, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and played a pivotal role in nurturing a sense of cultural identity among the Dravidian populace.

6. Opposition to Casteism and Religious Dogma: Periyar vehemently opposed the caste system and Brahminical dominance. He also challenged religious orthodoxy and the influence of religious dogma, advocating for secularism and the freedom of thought and expression.

These progressive ideals collectively constituted Periyar's vision for a more just, rational, and equitable society. His tireless advocacy and activism aimed to bring about systemic changes that aligned with these progressive principles, leaving a lasting impact on social reform in India.

IMPORTANT YEARS & DATES :
1. September 17, 1879: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy was born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. 1925: Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement, a social reform and anti-caste movement that aimed to promote self-respect and equality among the Dravidian people. This marked a significant turning point in his activism and laid the foundation for his lifelong work in social reform.

3. 1938: Periyar led a non-Brahmin conference, emphasizing the need to abolish caste-based discrimination and promote social equality.

4. 1944: Periyar renamed the Justice Party as Dravidar Kazhagam, signaling a shift towards a more focused Dravidian movement advocating for the rights and well-being of Dravidian people.

5. 1949-1954: Periyar's ideology strongly influenced the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, which he helped shape as a political force. In 1949, the DMK won the Madras State Assembly elections, and Periyar's protege, C.N. Annadurai, became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with Periyar’s support.

6. December 19, 1956: Periyar conducted a symbolic event known as the "Self-Respect Marriage" to challenge existing social norms related to marriage, including caste and religious traditions. This act drew attention to the need for social reform and the liberation of individuals from oppressive customs.

7. December 21, 1973: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy passed away, leaving behind a legacy of progressive activism and social reform that continues to influence the socio-political landscape in Tamil Nadu and beyond.