On May 2, 1925, E.V. Ramasamy-later known as Periyar-launched Kudi Arasu (meaning “Republic”) from Erode, Tamil Nadu. This Tamil weekly became the mouthpiece of the Self-Respect Movement, advocating for rationalism, women's rights, and the annihilation of caste. At a time when mainstream media was dominated by Brahminical narratives, Kudi Arasu gave voice to the marginalized and challenged social hierarchies.

Despite facing multiple bans and arrests under British rule, the journal persisted. Periyar's wife Nagammai, his sister Kannammal, and his brother E.V. Krishnasamy took turns as publishers during his imprisonments, ensuring the publication's continuity. The magazine featured bold critiques of religious orthodoxy and colonial policies, including Periyar's outspoken condemnation of Mahatma Gandhi's stance during Bhagat Singh's execution.

Kudi Arasu ceased publication in 1949, but its legacy endures. It laid the foundation for Tamil Nadu's progressive politics and continues to inspire movements for social justice. Periyar's fearless journalism transformed a humble weekly into a revolutionary force that reshaped South India's socio-political landscape.