The Self-Respect Movement was founded by Periyar E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker. Although S. Ramanathan invited Periyar to lead the movement in Tamil Nadu, it was Periyar who became the prominent leader and is widely recognized as the founder of the movement. The Self-Respect Movement aimed to achieve social equality and was particularly influential in challenging the caste system and advocating for the rights of lower castes and women.