2018-09-17 Mon

An ardent fighter, an avowed revolutionary and a hard headed nationalist, Periyar Erod Venkatappa Ramasamy was born on 17th September 1879 in Tamil Nadu. He was Indian socialist activist and politician who started the Self Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam.

E.V.R. left his school at the age of ten and joined his father in business when he was only twelve. The patriotic passion of Ramasami led him to give up his lucrative business and joined the Indian National Congress for freedom struggle.

An activist against the practice of untouchability, Periyar is famous for his struggle in Vaikkom, Kerala District in 1924 where earned the title “Vaikkom Hero’. He also started weekly, Kudiyarasu (Republic) and a daily Viduthalai (Freedom) to propagate the principles of his movement.

He passed away on December 24, 1973 when he was 94. To honor him India post has issued 25 Paisa Commemorative postage stamp in 1978.

Image Source: Mintage World