Write a short note on E.V.R. Periyar.

E.V.R. Periyar, also known as Periyar Ramasamy or Thanthai Periyar, was a pioneering social reformer, politician, and activist from Tamil Nadu, India. Born in 1879, Periyar dedicated his life to challenging caste oppression, religious orthodoxy, and gender inequality.

Periyar was a staunch advocate for social justice, equality, and rationalism. He vehemently opposed the Brahminical hegemony and caste-based discrimination prevalent in Tamil society, advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, including Dalits and backward castes. Periyar's radical ideas and activism sparked a mass movement known as the Dravidian movement, which sought to assert Tamil identity, promote social reform, and challenge the dominance of Brahminical traditions.

Periyar was also a fierce critic of religious superstition, orthodoxy, and Hindu rituals, advocating for atheism, rationalism, and the separation of religion from politics and public life. He founded the Self-Respect Movement, which aimed to empower individuals, especially women, to assert their rights, question oppressive social norms, and lead lives based on reason and self-respect.

Periyar's legacy continues to inspire social and political movements in Tamil Nadu and beyond, promoting ideals of social justice, rationalism, and egalitarianism. He remains a towering figure in Indian history, revered for his unwavering commitment to challenging oppressive systems and advocating for a more just and equitable society.