Periyar E. V. Ramasamy

17 September 1879 – 24 December 1973

E. V. Ramasamy, known as Periyar, was an Indian social activist and politician who founded the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam. A rationalist and reformer, he campaigned against caste discrimination, Brahminical dominance, and for the rights of the Dravidian people and women.

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Life events

Born in Erode, Madras Presidency
17 September 1879

Born into a Kannada-speaking merchant family in Erode in present-day Tamil Nadu.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Joined the Indian National Congress
1919 – 1925

Became active in the Congress and led the Vaikom Satyagraha for temple entry rights.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Launched the Self-Respect Movement
1925

Founded the Self-Respect Movement to promote rationalism and oppose caste hierarchy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Took leadership of the Justice Party
1938

Became leader of the Justice Party, which advocated for non-Brahmin representation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Dravidar Kazhagam
1944

Reorganized the Justice Party into the Dravidar Kazhagam to advance Dravidian self-determination.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Led social reform campaigns in Tamil Nadu
c. 1950

Continued decades of activism against untouchability, superstition, and gender inequality.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Vellore
24 December 1973

Died in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, leaving a lasting influence on Dravidian politics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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