---
title: "Self-Respect Movement: Periyar's Reform | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Self-Respect Movement, founded by E. V. Ramasamy in 1925, challenged caste hierarchy in Tamil Nadu and is essential for UPSC GS1 studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/self-respect-movement"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Self-Respect Movement was a South Indian social reform campaign founded by E.
- V.
- How did the Self-Respect Movement differ from the Justice Party?
- What is a Self-Respect marriage?
- How did the movement evolve into Dravidian electoral politics?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Self-Respect Movement was a South Indian social reform campaign founded by E. V. Ramasamy in 1925 to oppose caste hierarchy, Brahmin dominance, and religious orthodoxy in the Tamil region.

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In November 1925, E. V. Ramasamy "Periyar" resigned from the Indian National Congress at Kanchipuram and launched the Self-Respect Movement, soon founding the weekly Kudi Arasu to propagate its anti-caste agenda.

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