Periyar Erode Venkatanaicker Ramasamy (1879-1973) was the most illystrious social revolutionary of the millennium. His tireless, fearless and unparalleled efforts to end caste system and to transform society, with no trace of birth-based discrimination, on enlightened basis was unique in the annals of history. He made immense sacrifices while participating in the Non-cooperation movement and carrying out the constructive programme. 1920-23. His contribution was significant for the success of Vaikom agitation (1924-25), the first major peaceful struggle in modern India for social equality. Founder of Self-respect movement (1925) and Dravidar Kazhagam (1944), Periyar spread the principles of human dignity, rationalism, gender equality and social justice. It was due to the popular agitation organised by him. the Constitution was amended for the first time in 1951 to provide reservation for the socially and educationally backward classes. He educated people through his writings and speeches to think freely and judge everything in the light of rational thought, experience and social good. The UNESCO aptly described him as the prophet of the New Age. He endowed all his wealth and public donations for the cause of the humanity, creating a Public Charitable Trust.

Special Cover Released on the 125th Birth Anniversary of Periyar E.V.Ramasamy - 17.9.2003
The Periyar Self-Respect Propaganda Institution.
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