Periyar Ramasamy Family Tree
Periyar Ramasamy - A Lifestory
E.V. Ramasamy, commonly known as Periyar, was a prominent Indian social reformer and politician who dedicated his life to fighting for social justice and equality. Born in 1879 in Erode, Tamil Nadu, into a wealthy and orthodox Hindu family, Ramasamy witnessed firsthand the deeply entrenched caste system and the discrimination it perpetuated. Disillusioned by the rigid societal norms and the hypocrisy he observed within religious institutions, he began questioning traditional beliefs and practices at a young age.
Periyar's early activism involved participation in the Indian National Congress, where he advocated for social reform and the eradication of castebased discrimination. However, his growing frustration with the Congress's perceived inaction on these issues led him to break away and form the SelfRespect Movement in 1925. This movement aimed to challenge the existing social hierarchy, promote rationalism, and empower the marginalized sections of society, particularly the Dravidian people of South India.
Throughout his life, Periyar tirelessly campaigned against the caste system, religious superstitions, and gender inequality. He advocated for women's rights, including education and property ownership, and vehemently opposed child marriage. He championed the cause of atheism and rationalism, urging people to question traditional beliefs and embrace scientific thinking. His powerful speeches and writings challenged the status quo and ignited a social revolution in Tamil Nadu.
Periyar's influence extended beyond social reform into the realm of politics. He played a significant role in the Dravidian movement, advocating for the selfdetermination and empowerment of the Dravidian people. He believed in creating a society free from caste and religious discrimination, where all individuals could live with dignity and equality. He passed away in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of social reform and a profound impact on the social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu and India. His ideas continue to inspire movements for social justice and equality to this day.
Family and Early Years
Personal Details
- 🎂 Date of Birth
- 17 September 1879
- 📍 Place of Birth
- Erode Madras Presidency, British India
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Details
- Father: Venkatappa Naicker
- Mother: Chinnathayee
- Spouse: Nagammal.
Early Career
- Periyar Ramasamy began his journey immersed in social service and public life initially through involvement in religious activities before transitioning towards active participation in politics.
- 🚩Early Foray into Public Life
- He started his professional path by involving himself in religious discourses and quickly became known for his insightful interpretations. However his perspectives soon shifted as he began to question traditional beliefs and practices. He entered into the Indian National Congress, marking a significant shift towards political activism.
- ✊First Major Role and Contribution
- One of his first major contributions was his active participation in the Vaikom Satyagraha a movement advocating for the rights of lower-caste individuals to access temple roads. His involvement in this movement was significant as it challenged deeply entrenched social hierarchies and discrimination.
- 🚧Challenges Faced
- Establishing himself was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from orthodox sections of society who resisted his reformist ideas. He also encountered resistance within the Congress party itself particularly regarding his advocacy for social justice issues.
A Journey of Recognition
Career Journey
- A champion of social justice Periyar Ramasamy shattered societal norms and fought for equality, leaving an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu's socio-political landscape.
- ✊ Early Activism and Congress Leadership:
- Initially a Congress leader Periyar was deeply involved in the Indian independence movement and advocated for temperance and the eradication of untouchability. His frustration with the caste-based discrimination within the Congress party, particularly during the Vaikom Satyagraha, marked a turning point in his ideology. He resigned from the Congress after his resolution demanding representation for non-Brahmins in government jobs was rejected.
- 🔥 Self-Respect Movement Founder:
- Periyar founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 a radical socio-political movement aimed at achieving a society where backward castes had equal human rights and encouraging backward castes to have self-respect in the context of a society where they were considered a lower caste. The movement challenged Brahminical dominance, promoted rationalism and self-respect, and advocated for women's rights and inter-caste marriages.
- ✍️ Champion of Rationalism and Anti-Casteism:
- Through his writings speeches, and activism, Periyar tirelessly propagated rationalism, atheism, and anti-casteism. He used simple language to reach the masses, challenging deeply entrenched beliefs and superstitions. He founded the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) in 1944, a social movement that continued the work of the Self-Respect Movement, advocating for a separate Dravidian nation and the eradication of caste.
- 🚺 Advocate for Women's Rights:
- Periyar was a staunch advocate for women's rights arguing for their education, economic independence, and freedom from societal constraints. He championed widow remarriage, opposed child marriage, and advocated for women's right to divorce and property.
- 🖋️ Legacy of Social Reform:
- Periyar's legacy continues to inspire social justice movements in India. He is revered as a champion of the oppressed and a symbol of rationalism and social reform. His ideas have had a profound impact on Tamil Nadu's politics and society shaping its progressive outlook and commitment to social equality. He faced considerable opposition from religious conservatives and those who benefited from the existing social hierarchy, but he remained steadfast in his convictions, leaving behind a powerful legacy of social transformation.
Achievements and Milestones
- Here's a list of awards received by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy:
- 🏆 UNESCO Award
- ● Awarded by UNESCO in 1970 for his work promoting human rights social justice, and equality.
Additional Highlights
Contributions
- A radical social reformer Periyar Ramasamy challenged deeply entrenched societal norms and advocated for equality and rationalism.
- ✊ Championing Social Justice and Equality:
- ● Spearheaded the Self-Respect Movement advocating for the eradication of the caste system, untouchability, and social inequalities.
- ● Fought for equal rights for women including access to education, property ownership, and the right to divorce.
- ● Challenged religious superstitions and blind faith promoting rational thinking and scientific temper.
- ✍️ Promoting Education and Literacy:
- ● Established numerous schools and educational institutions to provide access to education for marginalized communities.
- ● Advocated for the use of Tamil as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges promoting linguistic pride and cultural identity.
- ● Encouraged critical thinking and questioning of traditional beliefs through education.
- 🗣️ Advocating for Linguistic and Cultural Identity:
- ● Led the Dravidian movement which aimed to protect and promote the cultural and linguistic identity of South Indians.
- ● Opposed the imposition of Hindi as the national language advocating for the recognition of all regional languages.
- ● Promoted the use of Tamil in all spheres of life including administration, education, and media.
- 🖋️ Promoting Rationalism and Atheism:
- ● Founded the Rationalist Forum which promoted scientific thinking and challenged religious dogma.
- ● Criticized religious texts and rituals advocating for a society based on reason and logic.
- ● Encouraged people to question traditional beliefs and practices promoting individual freedom and autonomy.
- 📰 Public Service and Advocacy:
- ● Used his newspaper Kudi Arasu, as a platform to disseminate his ideas and advocate for social reform.
- ● Organized numerous public meetings and rallies to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize public opinion.
- ● Actively participated in political movements and campaigns to bring about social and political change.
Death
- Periyar Ramasamy passed away on 24 December 1973.
Disclaimer
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