Atheism, an ideological stance rooted in philosophy, is defined by the absence or denial of belief in deities or gods. In contrast to theism, which affirms the existence of divine beings, atheists adopt a sceptical viewpoint, prioritising reason, empirical evidence, and critical thinking as the fundamental basis for comprehending the world. Emerging from a rich tapestry of ancient philosophical traditions and influenced by both historical and contemporary factors, atheism coexists harmoniously with various religious beliefs in India. Periyar's philosophy, centred around his atheistic beliefs, sought to confront social inequalities, caste-based discrimination, and religious orthodoxy. Periyar contended that superstitions stemming from religious beliefs hindered societal progress and functioned as tools of oppression. The ascent of the internet and social media has enabled the interchange of ideas, enabling atheists to connect, exchange information, and form communities beyond geographical limitations. This paper focuses mainly on the public perception of atheism and the relevance of Periyar's atheistic ideas in the contemporary context of Tamilnadu. The data was collected from 207 respondents in and around Chennai. The findings suggest that there is a need for awareness about atheism in rural areas while respondents in the rural areas are much aware about Periyar’s ideologies. Irrespective of residential status, awareness about atheism, the respondents are of the opinion that atheism and religion can coexist in the society. The results underscore the significance of recognizing the widespread prevalence of inclusivity and mutual respect for diverse worldviews within distinct residential communities.
