Bharathidasan (1891–1964)

Bharathidasan was a Tamil poet, playwright, and social reformer known as the “Puratchi Kavignar” (Revolutionary Poet). Deeply influenced by Periyar and the Dravidian movement, his writings promoted rationalism, anti-caste ideology, women’s liberation, and Tamil linguistic pride. Born in Puducherry, Bharathidasan’s literary works—poetry, essays, and plays—challenged religious orthodoxy and celebrated human dignity. His humanism was rooted in social justice and the rejection of superstition. Bharathidasan helped popularize Dravidian ideology among the masses, inspiring political and cultural transformation in Tamil Nadu.