Why in News? 

2025 marks the centenary (100 years) of the Self-Respect Movement launched by EV Ramasamy (Periyar) in 1925. The movement is being revisited for its role in challenging caste discrimination, promoting rationalism, and pioneering reforms like Self-Respect Marriages and women’s leadership in Tamil Nadu and beyond. 

• Key Facts: 
  • Launched in 1925 by EV Ramasamy (Periyar) in Tamil Nadu. 
  • Later founded Dravidar Kazhagam and the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu. 
  • Influenced by Jyotirao Phule and BR Ambedkar, participated in Vaikom Satyagraha. 
• Objectives: 
  • Eradicate caste system, oppose Brahminical dominance, promote rationalism & dignity– outlined in Namathu Kurikkol & Tiravitak Kalaka Lateiyam. 
• Features: 
  • Introduced Self-Respect Marriages (priest-less, legally valid). 
  • Fought against Devadasi system, caste discrimination & promoted widow remarriage. 
  • Encouraged women’s leadership – key figures: Annai Meenambal, Veeramal. 
    • Meenambal bestowed the title ‘Periyar’ on EV Ramaswamy, and was referred to as “my sister Meena” by BR Ambedkar.