The Self-Respect Movement is a movement that was called by Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu state of India.

History

The movement had its roots in overthrowing caste-based suppression. Historically, dalits and non-Brahmins were not given respect by Brahmins. Periyar's movement calls for dalits and non-brahmins to reject caste-based submission. The movement is seen as a movement against Brahmins, and more generally as an anti-Hindu movement. However, of late it has devolved into a rabidly anti-Brahmin movement. This movement had the support of the land-owning castes and thus was supported and financed by those who were anything but "wretched poor".

Brahmins, comprising a mere 3% of the population, had no other choice but to capitulate. This resulted in reverse discrimination and Brahmins were humiliated. Sociologists believe that this movement traditionally had the support of the "Shudras" and thus represents the grabbing of power from the upper castes. Earlier this movement had totally ignored the "Dalits". However after realising that Dalits would form another pillar in the persecution of Brahmins through

The state where this movement started (and is restricted to) currently tops in atrocities against Dalits. Needless to mention the persecutors in this case are the "Shudras" themselves.

Periyar's sayings on self-respect

• Man must remove by himself his feeling of inferiority, the feeling that he is lesser born than other beings, and attain self-confidence and self-respect.
• We are fit to think of self-respect only when the notion of superior and inferior caste is banished from our land.
• He who does not care for dignity, is no better than to a prostitute, however highly educated he is. His edcation will only endanger those that care for dignity.
• The aim of genuine Self-respect movement is to change whatever appears to be adverse to man's feelings of self-respect.
• Man must remove by himself his feelings of inferiority, the feeling that he is lesser born than other beings, and attain self-confidence and self-respect.
• Man must hold his personal respect and dignity as precious as his life.