In a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam held last Sunday (25.05.2025), a question was asked: “Who founded the Self-Respect Movement?”
Proof that Thanthai Periyar is an Inevitable Leader!
This question is good evidence that Thanthai Periyar remains an inevitable leader, even for those who always view him with opposition! Not only in Tamil Nadu, but throughout India, the Self-Respect Movement’s impact on the social sphere led to massive changes, contributing significantly to social justice for the oppressed and backward classes, and to the women’s rights achieved in this country. The inclusion of the question about who founded this movement, especially during its centenary celebrations, is a victory for us. This brings us great joy.
Thanthai Periyar, who discarded the caste suffix in December 1927 itself!
However, when mentioning Thanthai Periyar’s name as one of the answer options, they referred to him as “Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker.” Thanthai Periyar, who was free of caste feelings from a young age, considered his anti-caste stance as a powerful means of propagation. From December 1927 onwards, he discarded the ‘Naicker’ title from his name.
Furthermore, in the first Tamil Provincial Self-Respect Conference held in Chengalpattu in 1929, a resolution was passed stating, “As caste and religious differences affect people’s unity and public welfare, we request people not to use titles or symbols indicating caste or religious differences.” He explained this resolution in his speech, and from that day onwards, he was instrumental in thousands of people removing their caste titles, sparking a revolution. That is why Tamil Nadu remains a state free of caste surnames to this day.
The Title “Periyar” Given by the Women’s Conference!
The Self-Respect Movement’s propaganda, led by Thanthai Periyar, is the fundamental reason why the idea that caste identity itself is demeaning has spread among the people. In such a context, to ask a commendable question like “Who founded the Self-Respect Movement?” and then, in the answer options, to attach the caste suffix that he discarded to his name, is utterly inappropriate and condemnable.
Even though many had been referring to E.V. Ramasamy as ‘Periyar’ since 1928, it was the women of Tamil Nadu who, in a women’s conference (13.11.1938), resolved and announced that he should be fully referred to as ‘Periyar’ when mentioning him, thus guiding the way. We remember this at this time. Not just for Thanthai Periyar’s movement, but his very name has a unique history that everyone needs to know, especially educators, government employees, and officials.
During Thanthai Periyar’s centenary celebrations, the Indian government’s postage stamp and its accompanying description officially referred to him without the caste suffix. Is it permissible to act with such malice, without knowing this?
**Even a Child Knows Who “Periyar” is!**
From common people to all citizens beyond party lines, even children clearly know who Periyar is.
In the era of the Union BJP government, which upholds caste and varna, attaching a caste suffix to the name of a leader who worked to abolish caste is childish and malicious – and deserves condemnation!
- Veeramani
President, Dravidar Kazhagam
