PERIYAR Biography - Theater, Opera and Movie personalities

 
 

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PERIYAR
       

Periyar (September 17, 1879-December 24, 1973), also known as E.V. Ramasami, EVR, Thanthai Periyar, or Periyar Ramasami, is a well-known rationalist, atheist, freedom fighter, activist, founder of Dravidar Kazhagam and founder of the Self-respect Movement in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

       

Though he was born in an affluent Naicker (an upper caste) family, he fought against the untouchability practiced by Brahmins and the rituals of Hinduism and the caste system. By the natives, he is sometimes referred to as the enemy of Brahmins. He is very well known for his quotation against religion: He who created the god was a fool; he who spreads his name is a scoundrel and he who worships him is a barbarian.