TN CM Unveils Periyar’s Portrait at Oxford, Says His Rationalist Ideals Shine Worldwide

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, during his UK tour, unveiled a portrait of social reformer Periyar (E V Ramasamy) at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College on September 4, marking 100 years of the Self-Respect Movement. Painted by artist Thotta Tharani, the portrait honours Periyar’s fight for rationalism, gender equality, anti-caste reforms, and social justice. Stalin said Periyar’s rational light now shines globally, redefining freedom by breaking chains of oppression and raising dignity. He hailed the movement as a revolution nurturing scientific temper and social transformation, adding that it continues to inspire future generations beyond Tamil Nadu.