Self-Respect Movement by Periyar
Previous Year Questions: This question has been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I, held on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Question: Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?
(a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker
(b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
(c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav
(d) Dinkarrao Javalkar
प्रश्न: इनमें से कौन ‘आत्म-सम्मान आंदोलन (सेल्फ-रेस्पेक्ट मूवमेंट)’ का संस्थापक था?
(a) ‘पेरियार’ ई. वी. रामास्वामी नायकर
(b) डॉ. बी. आर. अंबेडकर
(c) भास्करराव जाधव
(d) दिनकरराव जवलकर
Topic: Indian National Movement
Explanation:
The Self-Respect Movement was conceptualised in 1925 in Tamil Nadu by S. Ramanathan, who invited Erode Venkatappa Ramaswamy Naicker (E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker), popularly known as Periyar to lead and head the movement. Eventually the movement was founded by E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker. The movement aimed to challenge the existing Hindu social order, particularly caste hierarchies, and promote a more rational and egalitarian society. E.V.R. started the movement by which the supremacy of the Brahmins must be subdued and awakening must be created among the illiterate Dravidians who lived in the land like slaves. Their awakening must be towards self-respect through socio-religious awareness.
Image source: PMF IAS / X.com
Self-Respect conference: The first Self Respect Conference was held on 17 and 18 February 1929 in Chegalpattu. It was presided by Soundara Pandiyan.
Source(s): ” Comprehensive Modern Indian History : From 1707 to The Modern Times“ written by Brijesh Singh, published by S Chand.
