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Sree Narayana Guru and E.V. Ramasamy Periyar were two of the most influential social reformers in South India, united by their commitment to dismantling caste-based discrimination and promoting social equality. Though they came from different philosophical backgrounds—Guru rooted in spiritual reform and Periyar in rationalist activism—their goals often converged in powerful ways.
Sree Narayana Guru, operating primarily in Kerala, believed in spiritual upliftment as a path to social liberation. He challenged the caste system by consecrating temples open to all, including those from oppressed communities, and famously declared, “One caste, one religion, one God for mankind.” His approach was non-confrontational and inclusive, emphasizing education, moral development, and unity. Guru’s work empowered the Ezhava community and inspired broader movements for equality, including the Vaikom Satyagraha, which protested caste-based restrictions on public roads near temples.
Periyar, on the other hand, was a radical reformer from Tamil Nadu who founded the Self-Respect Movement in 1925. He rejected religion entirely, viewing it as a tool of oppression, and promoted atheism, rationalism, and gender equality. His activism was bold and confrontational, aimed at dismantling Brahminical dominance and empowering non-Brahmin communities, especially Dalits. Periyar believed that true self-respect came from rejecting caste hierarchy, religious superstition, and patriarchal norms. He also played a key leadership role in the Vaikom Satyagraha, giving the movement national visibility and momentum.
Shared Ideals and Goals
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Aspect
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Sree Narayana Guru
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Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy)
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Anti-Caste Advocacy
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Challenged caste hierarchy through temple reforms and spiritual teachings
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Fought casteism through political activism and the Self-Respect Movement
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Social Equality
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Promoted “One caste, one religion, one God for mankind”
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Advocated for a casteless society and equal rights for all
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Empowerment of Marginalized
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Uplifted the Ezhava community through education and religious access
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Empowered Dalits and non-Brahmin communities through rationalist and political tools
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Education as a Tool
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Emphasized education for social upliftment
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Promoted education to break caste barriers and encourage critical thinking
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Opposition to Brahminical Hegemony
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Consecrated temples without Brahmin priests, defying orthodoxy
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Rejected Brahminical dominance and Hindu rituals entirely
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Involvement in Vaikom Satyagraha
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Inspired the movement ideologically
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Led the protest on the ground, gaining national attention
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- Guru used Advaita Vedanta to promote unity and spiritual equality.
- Periyar used rationalism and atheism to dismantle religious and social hierarchies.
Despite these differences, both believed in dignity, self-respect, and liberation from caste-based oppression. Despite their differing methods, both Guru and Periyar shared a deep commitment to social justice. They emphasized education as a means of empowerment and worked tirelessly to uplift marginalized communities. Their legacies continue to shape the socio-political landscape of South India, with Guru’s teachings influencing spiritual inclusivity and Periyar’s ideas fueling political movements like the Dravidian parties. Together, they represent two complementary paths toward the same goal: a society free from caste oppression and full of dignity for all.
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General Studies