Tamil Nadu observed Social Justice Day on September 17, the birth anniversary of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, with the Social Justice Day pledge marking his 147th birth anniversary in 2026. Born on September 17, 1879, in Erode, Periyar launched the Self-Respect Movement in 1925 to promote social equality, dignity and self-respect. He took part in the Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability and caste discrimination, and championed rationalism, women's rights and education through speeches, writings and public campaigns.