Periyar

Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy, widely known as Periyar, was born on September 17, 1879, and emerged as a prominent Indian social activist and politician. He is celebrated for his role as the architect of Dravidian politics and as a leading figure in left-wing politics in India. His commitment to social reform led him to establish the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam, organizations that championed the rights of the marginalized.

In 1919, Periyar joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha, a movement advocating for the rights of the oppressed. His dedication to social justice saw him imprisoned twice during this period. However, disillusioned with the Congress by 1925, he resigned, believing that the party primarily served Brahmin interests.

Between 1929 and 1932, Periyar traveled extensively through British Malaya, Europe, and the Soviet Union, experiences that significantly shaped his vision for the Self-Respect Movement, particularly in promoting caste equality. In 1939, he took the helm of the Justice Party, which he later transformed into the Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944. This party eventually split, leading to the formation of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949 under the leadership of C. N. Annadurai.

Throughout his life, Periyar was a staunch advocate for rationalism, women's rights, and the eradication of caste discrimination. He vehemently opposed the exploitation of non-Brahmin Dravidian communities and the imposition of Indo-Aryan cultural norms. In recognition of his contributions, the state of Tamil Nadu has celebrated his birth anniversary as 'Social Justice Day' since 2021.