Periyar E. V. Ramasamy (1879–1973) was a prominent social reformer, rationalist, and political thinker from Tamil Nadu, best known for founding the Self-Respect Movement. Deeply disturbed by caste-based discrimination and the dominance of Brahminical ideology in Indian society, Periyar dedicated his life to promoting equality, rationalism, and social justice. After a brief involvement with the Indian National Congress, he broke away, disillusioned by its reluctance to address caste issues, and began his own campaign for the rights of the oppressed.