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Birth Anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabhan
- 03 Jan 2026
- 2 min read
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.
- About: 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.
- Influence of Gandhian Thought: Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he embraced Satyagraha as a moral and political tool for social justice.
- Champion of Anti-Untouchability Movements: 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.
- Awards & Recognition: 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.
- Freedom Fighter: Actively involved in the Indian national movement especially in Travancore, he faced imprisonment, reflecting his commitment to both political freedom and social reform.
- Transformational Legacy: 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.
| Read more: 100 Years of Vaikom Satyagraha |
