Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Kudiarasu: Periyar's Tamil Journal Championing Social Justice
In the 1920s, Periyar, while in prison, envisioned a newspaper called Kudiarasu to speak the truth and fight for equality.
It started in 1925 and was a voice for the Self-Respect Movement, challenging unfairness.
The newspaper covered topics like women's rights and questioned old traditions.
It also published important writings by thinkers from around the world.
Periyar even changed the Tamil writing style in the newspaper.
Kudiarasu faced challenges, like being shut down briefly, but it kept publishing for many years, spreading important ideas.
The journal was a tool to promote social justice and rationalism.
Periyar envisioned Kudiarasu while imprisoned, aiming to challenge power and promote social justice.
The Tamil weekly journal was first published on May 2, 1925, from Erode.
Kudiarasu served as a platform for the Self-Respect Movement, addressing issues of caste and inequality.
The journal published works by thinkers such as B.R. Ambedkar and promoted Tamil script reforms.
Kudiarasu ceased publication after nearly 24 years, on November 5, 1949.
- Who
- Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and Va. Mu. Thangaperumal Pillai
- What
- A Tamil weekly journal named Kudiarasu, which became the mouthpiece of the Self-Respect Movement
- When
- First published on May 2, 1925, ceasing publication on November 5, 1949
- Where
- Published from Erode, India
- Why
- To express bold opinions, challenge social injustices, and promote rationalism.
- First Issue Date
- May 2, 1925
- Publication Location
- Erode
- Initial Editors
- E.V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar) and Va. Mu. Thangaperumal Pillai
- Language
- Tamil
- Key Themes
- Abolition of caste, women's rights, and atheism
- Publication Ceased
- November 5, 1949