Origins of the movement
Centenary of the Self Respect Movement: The Self-Respect Movement was launched in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) through the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu. Its central aim was to challenge the caste system, question Brahminical dominance, and promote rational thought.
Static GK fact: Periyar was originally a member of the Indian National Congress but left due to caste-based discrimination.
Objectives and ideology
The movement’s objectives were clearly explained in two pamphlets — Namathu Kurikkol and Tiravitak Kalaka Lateiyam. It demanded social justice, gender equality, and the rejection of superstitions. Periyar emphasized that social equality was more important than political independence.
Role of women leaders
Two important leaders, Annai Meenambal and Veeramal, provided strong leadership in mobilising women. The participation of women strengthened the demand for widow remarriage, property rights, and equal status in society.
Static GK fact: Annai Meenambal presided over the first Self-Respect Women’s Conference in 1930.
Social reforms introduced
The Self-Respect Movement pioneered reforms such as self-respect marriages, which removed Brahmin priests from the ceremony. It encouraged inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and opposed dowry practices. These reforms became the foundation for later legal changes in Tamil Nadu.
Static GK fact: In 1967, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government legalized self-respect marriages.
Political impact
The Justice Party (founded in 1916) laid the initial foundation for non-Brahmin assertion but remained limited to elites. Periyar expanded the struggle to the wider population through the Self-Respect Movement. This ideological base later shaped Dravidian politics, influencing the DMK and AIADMK.
Static GK fact: The DMK was formed in 1949 by C.N. Annadurai, drawing directly from Self-Respect ideals.
Legacy after 100 years
In 2025, the centenary of the movement highlights its role in reshaping Tamil society. It dismantled entrenched social hierarchies, created space for non-Brahmin empowerment, and emphasized rationalism and equality. The movement continues to inspire contemporary debates on social justice and rights-based politics.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Centenary of the Self Respect Movement:
| Topic | Detail |
| Year of launch | 1925 |
| Founder | E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) |
| Publication used | Kudi Arasu |
| Key objectives | Social equality, rationalism, caste eradication |
| Pamphlets | Namathu Kurikkol, Tiravitak Kalaka Lateiyam |
| Women leaders | Annai Meenambal, Veeramal |
| Social reforms | Self-respect marriages, widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages |
| Political link | Justice Party, Dravidian politics |
| Later outcome | DMK and AIADMK ideologies |
| Centenary year | 2025 |
