Tamil Nadu leaders honor social reformer Periyar on birth anniversary

Tamil Nadu leaders observed the 147th birth anniversary of social reformer Thanthai Periyar EV Ramasamy on Thursday. Chief Minister Vijay paid floral tributes in Chennai and administered the Social Justice Day pledge to citizens and officials, reaffirming the state’s commitment to equality, rationalism, and socialism.

Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna also honored Periyar’s legacy, noting his lifelong struggle for self-respect and social justice. Arjuna highlighted Periyar’s role in advocating for women’s liberation and his opposition to linguistic dominance, describing his principles as a defense against caste and religious majoritarianism.

Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to challenge caste hierarchies and promote the rights of non-Brahmin communities. His work through the journal Kudi Arasu and his departure from the Indian National Congress were instrumental in the development of the Dravidian movement and the pursuit of an egalitarian society.