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In Hindu traditions, the self is increasingly mystified with religious doctrines. On the contrary, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy assigned a rational and humane quality with secular view. The concept of self-respect was vividly propagated through his speeches and writings of Periyar especially in Kudi Arasu and Revolt when the level of literary was very low during the pre-independent period. However, Madras Presidency then had higher level of literacy. Though his writings for Tamil readers in Kudi Arasu seem to be vocal and received well, the translated English version in Revolt did not appeal well for the English readers since majority belonged to the upper strata of the society. Besides, his journalistic ventures did not assure the financial gains even to continue the publications. Thus, he had to terminate the Revolt, of course not his rebelling attitude towards social evils, after couple of years. The Revolt remains a symbol of radical scholarship in the world of English readers today.