The Self-Respect Movement was founded by S. Ramanathan in 1925, who invited E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, also known as Periyar, to lead the movement in Tamil Nadu. Periyar became the prominent leader and face of the movement, advocating for social equality and fighting against the caste system. Therefore, E.V. Ramasamy Naicker is often credited with being the key figure associated with the Self-Respect Movement.