Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid homage to Mahatma Ayyankali and Sree Narayana Guru on their birth anniversary today. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Mahatma Ayyankali is remembered as a great pioneer of social justice. The Prime Minister added that his efforts to secure educational opportunities for the marginalised, improve the lives of agricultural workers and serve the poor remain very inspiring.

Mr Modi also said that his life gives strength to all those working for social empowerment. He also called Sree Narayana Guru a towering social reformer, spiritual leader and thinker, who devoted his life to building a society rooted in dignity and compassion. Mr Modi said that Sree Narayana Guru’s thoughts gave strength to countless people and his focus on education and learning was equally noteworthy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tributes to Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Ayyankali on their birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mr Shah said that Sree Narayana Guru showed the path to build a more harmonious, and benevolent society through spirituality. Mr Shah said, his principles of knowledge, compassion, equality and spiritual freedom continue to inspire people. In another post, Mr Shah said that Mahatma Ayyankali was a pioneering social reformer who paved the way for social transformation through education in Keralam. He said, Mahatma Ayyankali also laid the foundation of a united and robust society upholding the values of social justice and equity.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Mahatma Ayyankali. In a social media post, Mr Singh said that Mahatma Ayyankali devoted his life to fighting for the rights and dignity of the oppressed. The Minister said that Mahatma Ayyankali challenged social discrimination and strengthened the cause of equality and social justice in society. His life and legacy continue to inspire the collective pursuit of a more equitable and harmonious society, founded on equality, dignity and social justice.