Periyar Ramasamy - A Lifestory

Here's an intro duction to Periyar E. V. Ramasamy: Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, a very important person in India during the 20th century, spent his life trying to fix society and be active in politics. He was born on 17 September 1879, in Erode, Tamil Nadu. He grew up with advantages, but a strong feeling that things were not fair changed him. He saw how unfair the caste system was, so he gave up being a Brahmin and started fighting for everyone to be equal. Periyar thought it was very important for people to respect themselves. He started the Self Respect Movement in 1925, to fight against the power of the Brahmin group and to create a society without caste problems. He asked questions about religion and how society worked, because he believed in thinking clearly and using reason. He strongly supported women's rights, wanting them to get educated and be independent, even before many people thought it was important. He also got into politics and made the Dravida Kazhagam party. He did not agree with the Indian National Congress and its ideas. His effect was much bigger than just politics. He wrote and talked a lot, using his words to make society change. His ideas still help people who are fighting for fairness and equality. He died on 24 December 1973.