Centenary of Self-Respect Movement Conference

Summary of the News Article:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to address the Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies Conference 2025 at the University of Oxford on September 4, as part of a week-long visit to Germany and the U.K. starting August 30, 2025. This conference aims to commemorate the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement, co-hosted by St. Antony’s College and Balliol College at Oxford.

Key Highlights:

• Event and Significance:

  • The conference on September 4-5, 2025, seeks to globalize the Self-Respect Movement, which has significantly impacted Tamil Nadu’s socio-political framework by challenging caste and gender hierarchies.
  • CM Stalin will unveil a portrait of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy at Oxford, emphasizing that Periyar's ideals of self-respect, rationalism, and equality have universal relevance.

• Economic Developments in Tamil Nadu:

  • CM Stalin stated that since the ‘Dravidian Model’ administration came into power, Tamil Nadu has attracted investments totaling ₹10 lakh crore.
  • He noted strong interest from international investors and industrialists in Tamil Nadu during his overseas trips.

• Books and Interaction:

  • During the conference, CM Stalin will also launch two books that document the centenary journey of the Self-Respect Movement and discuss its relevance in the modern context.
  • On September 5, he is expected to engage with Indian students and graduates in London to foster connections with the diaspora.

• Strategic Objectives:

  • The conference intends to engage scholars and practitioners to explore the ongoing significance of self-respect as a political and ethical principle.
  • The discussion will bridge the Dravidian experience with global movements such as civil rights, anti-apartheid struggles, and current mobilizations against systemic inequalities.

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Tamil Nadu government to bring attention to social reforms initiated by Periyar and demonstrates the potential for local movements to engage in global discussions on equality and justice.

Important Points:

• CM M.K. Stalin will address a conference at Oxford on the Self-Respect Movement on September 4, 2025.
• He will unveil Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's portrait as part of the commemoration.
• The conference, co-hosted by St. Antony’s and Balliol Colleges, runs from September 4-5, 2025.
• Tamil Nadu has attracted ₹10 lakh crore in investments under the current government.
• Stalin will launch two significant books on the history and relevance of the Self-Respect Movement.
• The conference aims to discuss the universal principles of self-respect and relate them to global movements against oppression.