The idea of discrimination on the basis of caste is well-constructed in our society right from the Vedic times, even though no texts promote it exclusively. In a form of social hierarchy, some were oppressed to an extent that they were titled as 'impure', 'untouchable', and debarred from basic life necessities. On the other hand, others were Brahmins, who led as the most revered 'priests' of the society and considered themselves as the caretakers of Hindu shastras.

Although he had so many aspirations prior to entering that place which is sacred and welcomes all its devotees with an open heart, he was disappointed when the same place forced him to eat what was leftover from the street. His religious convictions of inclusivity and faith were tarnished as he returned from the pilgrimage. He had lost his theistic beliefs and was no longer empathetic to those who were, but he had a purpose this time.

His view of religion changed dramatically after the incident at Kashi, and he became an advocate for minority rights and a social-rights activist for a lifetime. With an objective to stand against a society that certainly disrespects and exploits another caste or tribe in the name of religion, this bearded man was none other than the legendary, E.V Ramaswamy Periyar.

Native to two Dravidian languages - Kannada and Tamil, EV Ramaswamy was born to Venkatappa Nayakar and Chinnathyee and raised along with his three siblings. Taking it upon himself to warn people against superstitions and priests, he always felt that religion in society is used as a device to cheat people and therefore saw it as one of his duties.

A lifelong leftist and Marxist, Periyar was an important founding member of Tamil Nadu's Dravidian Movement and Self-Respect Movement. The state's socio-political development was greatly influenced by his passionate fight in favour of equality in gender, class, and caste. Through rational thinking and social justice, he would like to reform the thought process of the Tamil community, where everyone can live with dignity. It was the result of his revolutionary actions, even today there is a deep sense of his ideals that lives in Tamil Nadu.

His speech called attention to low-caste Hindus who were denied entry into temples and allowed to cross the roads leading to them in Kerala. Due to this, he established the 'Keralaparyatanam' to ensure temple entry and access to public ways for every Hindu, regardless of creed or caste. With the movement's popularity spreading throughout India, support came from all across the spectrum, and that too regardless of background or affiliation with a particular caste. That was the result of Periyar's efforts, which culminated in the formation of a committee comprised of people from different castes to combat untouchability.

Everything he wrote, everything he said, everything he published, all was intended to question what it means to be a human when according to society some were low caste Hindus. In the beginning, Periyar was unable to digest this injustice; he never quite did for the rest of his life. There is even a claim that the political system of Tamil Nadu still adheres to his ideology, indicating the changes brought in their societal history since the bearded man arrived.