Historic leader enters his 90th year

The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, founded by Sree Narayana Guru, stands as one of the most important movements in the history of Kerala’s renaissance. It was the result of the prayers and struggles of a large section of people who had been oppressed and forced to live on the margins of society for centuries. There is perhaps no other movement in Kerala’s history that fought so strongly for social justice, the protection of rights and social reform. Sree Narayana Guru was the first leader of the Yogam and became a source of hope and strength for the entire backward and oppressed section of society. The struggles led by his successors and the rights they secured are an important part of modern Kerala’s history.

Guru taught the world that there is no greater weapon than knowledge. Education was the weapon he used in his fight against social evils and superstitions. Carrying forward his message to “be strong through organisation, be enlightened through education', Vellappally Natesan has spent nearly three decades at the helm of the Yogam and the Sree Narayana Trust, which emerged from it. Following the path of the Guru, who dedicated his life to the welfare of others, Vellappally Natesan has emerged as a strong leader who has given determination and direction to the oppressed sections of society. He is now entering his 90th year.

The SNDP Yogam, which is approaching 125 years of its historic journey from a Kerala once described as a “madhouse” to a centre of social renaissance, has offered new lessons in organisational strength under Vellappally’s leadership over the past three decades. His tenure has been marked by continuous struggles for rights, including reservation, without yielding to those in power.

R Sankar, the founding secretary of the Sree Narayana Trust and a former Chief Minister, made an invaluable contribution to bringing the backward sections of society towards education and self-respect. He also helped them move forward in higher education and employment. Later, when the Sree Narayana Trust became inactive under receiver administration after getting caught up in legal disputes, it was under Vellappally Natesan’s dynamic and determined leadership that the trust regained its strength and vitality. His sustained efforts also helped usher in a golden period in the higher education sector.

The microfinance scheme launched by Vellappally Natesan to bring women into the mainstream and help them earn an income of their own became a major development in India’s banking history. His three-decade-long journey in community and organisational activities was marked by perseverance despite many challenges and criticism. He helped give new energy and vitality to the Sree Narayana movements by bringing people together and strengthening their participation.

He also holds the distinction of having led the Yogam founded by Sree Narayana Guru for the longest period. We extend our heartfelt wishes to the unmatched leader of the backward communities, who was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of the nation’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to social service, as he enters his 90th year.