Arige Ramaswamy (1875-1973) advocated Vaishnavism, achala philosophy and Brahma Samaj thought that were popular in pre-British colonial India.
Born in Ramankola of Rangareddy district, Ramaswamy was educated in Secunderabad and joined public service. He took active part in social reform movements while working as a Ticket Collector in Nizam Railways.
He established Sunita Bala Samajam in Secunderabad and did notable work for eradication of alcoholism, animal sacrifice, Jogini system and child marriages. Later, he established Adi Hindu Jaatiyonnati Sabha in 1922 to carry out several social reform activities.
Madari Aadayya, along with Arige Ramaswamy, formed Sanghaabhivruddhi Samajam and strived to build Dalit unity through social reform activities. Adayya worked to build interest in education among Dalit youth by eradicating social evils through several spiritual and cultural activities.
Adayya Smaraka Pathasala (Aadayya Memorial School) started by him was of great help to Dalit students of Secunderabad. He provided notable support in the areas of social aspects and for marriages and other life events as part of social reform for new consciousness through Sanghaabhivruddhi Samajam that he established.
Arige Ramaswamy took special interest in the upliftment of Madiga sub-caste among the Dalits. He also established Arundathiya Mahasabha along with Girikala Mallesh Rao and Venkata Rao in 1931 for welfare of Madiga community. Arundathiya Mahasabha, Matangi Sabha and Jambavarna Seva Samithi worked for the development of Madiga community.
Magundi Mallayya and Subedar Sayanna demanded human rights for the
Madiga community along with the rights for Malas. Babayya and other
leaders toured several districts of Telangana to organise movement
against vetti and untouchability.
Peesari Veeranna raised several issues of Dalits with Gandhi during his
visit to Hyderabad in 1937. Veeranna disagreed with Gandhi’s use of the
word ‘Harijan’ for Dalits.