VP lauds social reformer Mannathu Padmanabhan’s contributions
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday lauded the contributions of eminent social reformer, freedom fighter and founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS) Mannathu Padmanabhan, saying he dedicated his life to the upliftment of society through various reforms and service.
Unveiling the statue of Padmanabhan and inaugurating the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam in Delhi, the vice president also appreciated the work undertaken by the Delhi unit of the NSS in preserving Kerala’s rich cultural heritage in the national Capital.
The eminent social reformer, freedom fighter and founder of the NSS dedicated his life to the upliftment of society through education, social reform, self-reliance and community service, Radhakrishnan said.
Describing Padmanabhan as a true leader of community renaissance, the vice president said that his vision extended far beyond sectional interests.
“He believed that every human being deserved equal dignity and equal opportunity. His life’s work reminds us that genuine social progress is possible only when justice, compassion and inclusiveness become the guiding principles of society,” he said.
Radhakrishnan said the remarkable growth of the NSS itself bears testimony to the extraordinary dedication and determination of its founder.
He said that Padmanabhan firmly believed that great institutions were built not by great wealth, but by great commitment. Recalling how he accepted even humble contributions from ordinary households to establish educational and social institutions, the vice president said these collective efforts transformed the lives of generations.
Radhakrishnan expressed happiness that, more than a century after its establishment, the ideals of Padmanabhan have spread far beyond Kerala.
He particularly appreciated the vibrant work undertaken by NSS Delhi in preserving Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, while simultaneously promoting modern education and social service.
The vice president also congratulated NSS Delhi for its impressive growth into an organisation with 25 branches across Delhi-NCR and nearly 25,000 members.
Reflecting on the significance of monuments, Radhakrishnan said, “Monuments are much more than carvings in stone; they are carvings made in the collective conscience of society. Their true purpose goes much beyond celebrating the past; they are an inspiration for the future.”
Calling upon citizens to emulate the values of the great social reformer, the vice president said the greatest tribute “we can pay” to Padmanabhan is by carrying forward his mission of building a society rooted in equality, education, compassion, service and national unity.
On the occasion, Radhakrishnan also planted a sapling at the Mannam International Centre, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, as part of the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign promoting environmental conservation.
Among those present on the occasion were Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, President of NSS Delhi MKG Pillai, General Secretary of NSS Delhi MD Jayaprakash and other distinguished guests.
