Periyar's Social Justice Legacy
Tamil Nadu Observes Social Justice Day on Periyar's 147th Birth Anniversary
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The Chennai observance took place at Periyar’s statue on Anna Salai, where Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Maria Wilson and Raj Mohan offered floral tributes; former minister Geetha Jeevan led a similar tribute in Thoothukudi.
2
Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement was launched in 1925 alongside the journal Kudi Arasu, a history highlighted as central to Tamil Nadu’s continuing social-justice legacy.
3
M.K. Stalin said September 17 also marks the founding of the DMK and asked party offices to take a Social Justice Day pledge, renew their party flags and hoist them in observance of the DMK’s 78th year.
4
Udhayanidhi Stalin invoked Periyar’s maxim that “Dignity and knowledge are the beauty of humanity. Self-respect is the essence of a fulfilling life,” while pledging to bring those principles to younger generations.
Tamil Nadu honored social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, known as Periyar, on his 147th birth anniversary by observing Social Justice Day across the state. News18 reported that DMK leaders including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin paid tribute at Periyar's statue on Anna Salai in Chennai, where Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar and state ministers laid flowers in his memory.
Stalin called Periyar the "rational sun" and urged future generations to question social dominance and preserve his rationalist principles. Afternoon News reported that Udhayanidhi Stalin pledged to advance Periyar's progressive ideals and bring them to younger generations, invoking Periyar's maxim that "Dignity and knowledge are the beauty of humanity."
Periyar's Self-Respect Movement Shaped Modern Tamil Nadu
Periyar launched the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 alongside the journal Kudi Arasu. Afternoon News noted that this movement became central to Tamil Nadu's continuing social-justice legacy. The movement challenged caste hierarchies and championed rational thinking over ritualistic practices that dominated society at the time.
DMK Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Social Justice
M.K. Stalin announced that September 17 marks both Periyar's birth anniversary and the founding of the DMK. He asked party offices to take a Social Justice Day pledge, renew their party flags, and hoist them in observance of the DMK's 78th year. News18 reported that this dual significance strengthens the party's connection to Periyar's reform legacy.
Tributes Paid Across Tamil Nadu
Political leaders honored Periyar in multiple locations throughout the state. Afternoon News reported that Assembly Speaker JCD Prabakar, ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Maria Wilson, and Raj Mohan offered floral tributes at the Chennai statue. Former minister Geetha Jeevan led similar ceremonies in Thoothukudi, extending remembrance across the region.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
16
Articles
17
Reach
33
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
