- E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) was a prominent leader of the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu. - His philosophy centered on social justice, equality, rationalism, and self-respect, strongly opposing caste-based discrimination and advocating for the rights of the oppressed. - The quote directly reflects his core ideology emphasizing inherent freedom, the importance of self-respect, and the role of social justice in achieving a truly equal society.