Periyar Ji
Introduction
Periyar E. V. Ramasamy was a social activist who founded the Self-Respect Movement, also known as Dravidar Kazhagam or Tamil Nadu Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (TTVK). He was born in 1879 in Erode district of Tamil Nadu and died on April 7th 1973 at Tiruchengode. Periyar is popularly known by his initials PERI or PERIYAR which stands for People’s Education and Relief Institute or Periyar Valayam (meaning land of PERI).
Born into an affluent family, Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy or Periyar as he is popularly known and called by his followers, was born in the year 1879 at Erode, Tamil Nadu.
Born into an affluent family, Periyar was born in the year 1879 at Erode, Tamil Nadu. His father was a government official and his mother was a housewife. He studied at the Wesley College in Salem before he moved to Madras (now Chennai) where he completed his BA degree from Presidency College in 1909.
Periyar’s interest in politics started when he joined Anna SPG Society as its secretary at college level and later became its president during his final year there. In 1910, Periyar joined Indian National Congress after reading Bhagavad Gita which gave him ideas about Hindutva philosophy and nationalism; however, due to differences with Mahatma Gandhi on some issues like non-cooperation movement etc., he quit Congress soon after joining it
A self-proclaimed Atheist, he was highly against religion and caste system in India.
Periyar’s beliefs were based on the principles of atheism and humanism. He believed that God is not only unnecessary but also a harmful concept in our lives. He called this concept of God an “idol”. Periyar was against caste system, which he believed was responsible for discrimination among people. He also advocated gender equality and women’s education.
He was a social activist involved in working for the equality of women and eradication of castes in India.
Periyar was a social activist involved in working for the equality of women and eradication of castes in India. He was against the caste system, dowry system, child marriage system and untouchability. He also fought against sati (widow burning), female infanticide and other such customs.
He was one of the co-founders of Self-Respect Movement which aimed at achieving Hindu cultural identity separate from Brahminism.
Periyar was one of the co-founders of Self-Respect Movement which aimed at achieving Hindu cultural identity separate from Brahminism. He was a social reformer and advocated for women’s rights, child labour abolition, prohibition of alcohol and caste discrimination.
He founded the Justice Party, also known as the People’s Party or South Indian Liberal Federation (SILF), and was its party president till his death in 1973.
The Justice Party, also known as the People’s Party or South Indian Liberal Federation (SILF), was founded by Periyar in 1904. The party was renamed as Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944 and then again to its current name – Dravidar Kazhagam in 1973.
Periyar died on 13 August 1973 at 7:30 pm at his house located near Vazhakkulam village near Karur district in Tamil Nadu state of India due to cardiac arrest after which he was cremated at Salem Manikapuram cemetery near Karaikudi town close to his birthplace Peyalur town along with his wife Kaavalkalathu Ammal and other members of family who had accompanied him since childhood till death day itself!
The Dravidian movement led by Periyar to abolish caste system in India is considered to be similar to the stance taken by Dr. Amebedkar on inequality in the society. The social reformer inspired leaders like MGR, Jayalalitha, Karunanidhi and others who formed their own parties after getting influenced by him. This ideology is still prevalent today among many politicians belonging to southern states of India, especially Tamil Nadu.
Periyar was a social reformer who believed in equality among all members of society. He inspired many leaders to form their own parties after getting influenced by him. This ideology is still prevalent today among many politicians belonging to southern states of India, especially Tamil Nadu.
Periyar was a famous social reformer who believed in equality among all members of society irrespective of their gender or caste
Periyar was a famous social reformer who believed in equality among all members of society irrespective of their gender or caste. He was against religion, Brahminism and patriarchy.
He believed that if there are two people who are equal then no one should be treated differently based on their birth or caste. This means that men should have equal rights as well as women to receive education and employment opportunities without being discriminated against because they belong to a particular community or religion.
Periyar also preached against gender inequality by arguing that only men can be leaders while women cannot lead any organization; therefore it would be better for society if these positions were taken over by both genders rather than just one gender alone (which would result in unfair treatment towards women).
Conclusion
We have covered the life and times of Periyar in detail. He was a great social reformer who fought for equality among all people, irrespective of their gender or caste. His Dravidian movement is still prevalent today among politicians belonging to southern states of India, especially Tamil Nadu.
