Self-Respect Movement and Its Legacies Conference

The Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies Conference, is a two-day conference commemorating the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement rooted in South India's Dravidian ideologies. This movement profoundly influenced socio-political thought in Tamil Nadu by challenging entrenched hierarchies of caste and gender. Simultaneously, the conference aims to explore global interpretations of self-respect, social justice, and human dignity, fostering an academic dialogue that bridges regional and international perspectives.

This interdisciplinary event will examine the ongoing relevance of self-respect as a foundational concept in social and political systems worldwide. It will juxtapose the Dravidian approach with diverse global movements, such as civil rights struggles, anti-apartheid efforts, and contemporary protests against systemic inequalities, that have sought to dismantle oppressive power structures. Scholars from various backgrounds will discuss how principles of self-respect have evolved in different cultural contexts and how they can address contemporary challenges like authoritarianism, religious extremism, and gender-based oppression on a global scale.

By bringing together academics from various disciplines and regions, the Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies Conference aims to facilitate a critical exchange between the Self-Respect Movement's legacy in Tamil Nadu and parallel movements worldwide. This scholarly dialogue intends to deepen the understanding of self-respect in different social, political, and cultural contexts. The goal is to envision how these principles can collaboratively guide global efforts toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive world.

Please note that to attend the keynote talks a seperate tickets needs to be booked. The conference schedule will be sent once you have signed up.