Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan today asserted that it is the duty of every citizen to respect and uphold the great legacy of the nation’s social reformers. Mr Radhakrishnan was speaking after unveiling the statue of social reformer and freedom fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan and inaugurating the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam at the Mannam International Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, the Vice President highlighted Mannathu Padmanabhan’s lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, education and community service. He said Mannathu Padmanabhan’s ideals continue to inspire the nation in its journey towards building an inclusive and harmonious society.
Describing Mannathu Padmanabhan as one of modern India’s greatest social reformers, Mr Radhakrishnan said his life was devoted to the upliftment of society through education, social reform, self-reliance and community service. He said that at a time when the concept of social reform was hardly understood and many people were suffering without support, Mannathu Padmanabhan came forward to serve society. The Vice President added that Mannathu Padmanabhan’s association with the national movement further reflected his commitment to these ideals. He noted that, alongside Mahatma Gandhi, Mannathu Padmanabhan played a significant role in championing the cause of the socially deprived. Mr Radhakrishnan also highlighted his active participation in the historic Vaikom Satyagraha, describing it as one of the defining chapters of India’s social reform movement.
The Vice President said that if there had been no Adi Shankaracharya of Kalady, there would have been no Sanatana Dharma in India, and that without Sree Narayana Guru and Mannathu Padmanabhan, Sanatana Dharma would not have survived in Keralam in the same way. He noted that Keralam became the first state in the country to achieve 100 per cent literacy. Mr Radhakrishnan said this achievement was neither the result of government efforts alone nor the contribution of any single political party, but was also shaped by the immense contributions of Mannathu Padmanabhan and Sree Narayana Guru.
Mr Radhakrishnan said the dedication of the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam is not merely the inauguration of a structure, but the consecration of an enduring legacy. He added that through the Smrithi Mandapam, the nation is paying tribute to one of its greatest social reformers. The Vice President underscored that the Mandapam stands as a living tribute to a visionary whose ideals transcended the boundaries of caste and religion, and whose life continues to illuminate the path of social justice, equality and service to the nation and society. Mr Radhakrishnan also appreciated the efforts of the Nair Service Society (NSS), in preserving and carrying forward Mannathu Padmanabhan’s legacy through the establishment of the Smrithi Mandapam. He said that more than a century after the establishment of the NSS, the ideals of Karmayogi Mannathu Padmanabhan has travelled far beyond the land of their origin. The Vice President also highlighted that the preservation and promotion of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam will ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots while embracing modernity.
On the occasion, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, NSS Delhi President M. K. G. Pillai, NSS Delhi General Secretary M. D. Jayaprakash and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
