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

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during his ongoing official tour of the United Kingdom to attract investments to the state, paid tribute to legendary social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy by unveiling his portrait at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College on September 4. The ceremony was organized to commemorate the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement, which Periyar had founded a hundred years ago. Stalin, in his address, highlighted Periyar’s enduring legacy as a rationalist, social justice advocate, and anti-caste crusader whose influence has transcended the boundaries of Tamil Nadu and India to shine across the world.

The portrait unveiled at Oxford was created by Thotta Tharani, a renowned Indian art director, painter, and production designer, who is celebrated for his contributions to both cinema and fine arts. The artwork symbolized not only Periyar’s towering personality but also the progressive ideals he championed. According to Stalin, the decision to host such an unveiling at Oxford University, an institution globally associated with knowledge, human rights, and dignity, was itself proof that Periyar’s “rational light” had expanded far beyond his homeland and now illuminated the global discourse on social transformation.

In his remarks, Stalin stressed that the Self-Respect Movement, launched by Periyar in the early 20th century, was nothing short of a revolution that redefined freedom. He described it as a movement that caused “chains to fall and dignity to rise,” a transformation that went beyond mere political independence to challenge social hierarchies, orthodox practices, and discriminatory traditions. Stalin underlined that Periyar’s movement had shattered entrenched fundamentalisms, awakened self-respect among marginalized communities, nurtured scientific temper, and set the stage for social reforms that continue to shape Tamil Nadu’s progressive politics.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged Periyar’s pioneering role in advocating rationalism, gender equality, and caste abolition. He credited the movement with laying the foundation for a modern Tamil identity rooted in equality and justice. Stalin emphasized that these values have not only endured but have also gained international recognition, as reflected in the honour of unveiling Periyar’s portrait at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Calling it a “lifetime honour,” Stalin said that unveiling Periyar’s portrait at Oxford demonstrated how the reformer’s ideals had broken free from geographical confines and inspired people around the world. In his speech, he celebrated Periyar’s contributions as a guiding light of social transformation that continues to inspire present and future generations.

Stalin further elaborated on this theme in a social media post on platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), where he wrote that the Self-Respect Movement had redefined the meaning of freedom by turning centuries of subjugation into an anthem of dignity and equality. He reiterated that the movement was not simply a historical milestone but a living revolution that continues to chart the course of the future by inspiring rational thought and challenging oppressive structures.

Reflecting on the event, Stalin said he spoke at Oxford with great pride as the heir to Periyar’s legacy, reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s commitment to the principles of social justice and rationalism. He concluded by stating that the celebration was not about looking back at history alone but about guiding tomorrow with the progressive spirit inherited from Periyar.

In essence, the unveiling of Periyar’s portrait at Oxford symbolized both a tribute to his revolutionary role in reshaping society and an affirmation of his continuing relevance in the global fight for dignity, equality, and rationalism.