Birth Anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabhan:
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mannathu Padmanabhan (2nd January 1878 – 25th February 1970) on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a towering social reformer who dedicated his life to dignity, equality, and nation-building. Mannathu Padmanabhan was a leading social reformer from Kerala, known for challenging caste discrimination and social exclusion.Founded the Nair Service Society (NSS) in 1914, he institutionalised social reform, education, and community upliftment, ensuring his ideals endured well beyond his lifetime.Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he embraced Satyagraha as a moral and political tool for social justice.He led the Savarnajatha Satyagraha, advocating temple access for oppressed communities, which contributed to the historic Temple Entry Proclamation.His participation in the Vaikom (1924) and Guruvayoor (1931) Satyagraha placed him at the forefront of India’s struggle against caste discrimination.He consistently promoted peace, unity, and inter-community harmony, strengthening Kerala’s pluralistic ethos.He was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1966) and honoured with the title Bharata Kesari by the President of India for his contributions to social reform.He Actively involved in the Indian national movement especially in Travancore, he faced imprisonment, reflecting his commitment to both political freedom and social reform.He revitalised an entire community by teaching the philosophy of action, unity, and self-change. His influence continues across generations, firmly embedded in Kerala’s social, political, and cultural history.
