Periyar's Life and Contributions.

Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, also known as Periyar, was a social reformer and politician from India who played a significant role in the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. He was born on September 17, 1879, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, and passed away on December 24, 1973, at the age of 94. Periyar was a prominent advocate for social justice and equality and dedicated his life to the betterment of the marginalized sections of the society.

Periyar's Early Life

Periyar was born in a wealthy family in Erode, Tamil Nadu. His father was a wealthy businessman who owned several acres of land and a successful weaving business. Periyar's early life was comfortable, and he was educated in English medium schools. However, his interest in social reform began at a young age. Periyar was inspired by his mother, who was an activist and participated in various social and political movements.

Periyar's Political Journey

Periyar began his political career in the Indian National Congress, but he soon realized that the Congress party did not address the issues of the marginalized sections of society, including the Dalits and the lower castes. He left the Congress party in 1925 and founded the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to promote self-respect and dignity among the lower castes and marginalized sections of society.

Periyar was a vocal critic of the caste system, which he believed was the root cause of the social and economic inequalities in India. He advocated for the abolition of the caste system and believed in the principles of social equality, rationalism, and scientific temper.

Periyar's Contributions

Periyar was a prolific writer and orator, and he used his platform to spread his message of social justice and equality. He founded several newspapers and magazines, including "Kudi Arasu," "Viduthalai," and "Periyar E.V. Ramasamy." These publications were instrumental in spreading his ideas and promoting social reform.

Periyar was also instrumental in the promotion of the Tamil language and culture. He believed that the Tamil language and culture were under threat from the dominant north Indian culture and language. He advocated for the promotion of the Tamil language and culture and campaigned against the imposition of Hindi as the national language of India.

Periyar's Legacy

Periyar's legacy continues to inspire millions of people in Tamil Nadu and across India. He was a champion of social justice and equality and dedicated his life to the betterment of the marginalized sections of society. His contributions to the promotion of the Tamil language and culture have been recognized by the government of Tamil Nadu, which has declared his birthday a public holiday.

In conclusion, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy was a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to the betterment of the marginalized sections of society. His ideas and principles of social justice and equality continue to inspire millions of people today. Periyar's legacy is a testament to the power of social reform and the impact that one person can have on society.