Kerala’s stars shine bright in Padma Awards
The Padma awards should be seen as honours given by the nation. The Padma awards announced on the occasion of Republic Day have greatly raised Kerala’s pride. The posthumous conferment of the Padma Vibhushan on veteran Communist leader, former Chief Minister, and respected public figure V.S. Achuthanandan has brought joy across Kerala. He was a leader loved by the people of Kerala beyond party lines. The Padma Vibhushan being awarded to former Supreme Court judge Justice K.T. Thomas and education expert and former Janmabhoomi editor P. Narayanan has added to the happiness. The Padma Vibhushan is the country’s second-highest civilian honour. A special feature of this year’s awards is that three out of the five Padma Vibhushan recipients are Malayalis. Actor Mammootty and SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan receiving the Padma Bhushan is also a recognition of their merit.
Those who try to see politics in award announcements are free to do so, but such views should be seen as narrow-minded. What matters is not which government gives the award, but whether the recipients truly deserve it. By that measure, these honours have reached the hands of Kerala’s deserving sons. E.M.S. Namboodiripad had once rejected the Padma Vibhushan, but that was during his lifetime. If V.S. Achuthanandan had received the award while he was healthy, he too might have followed the same approach. However, as a posthumous honour, the award is not just for V.S., but also for the people of Kerala who loved him as a great leader. The family, which accepted the award with happiness, also deserves appreciation.
Many people in Kerala’s political and social spheres hesitate to openly say what they believe to be right. In this context, the name of Vellappally Natesan stands out as a widely discussed figure in Kerala. He is known for his courage, honesty, and confidence in speaking openly about what he believes is right for the progress of the community, without worrying about criticism. This is why he has continued as the General Secretary of the Yogam and SN Trust for over three decades without facing any serious challengers.
For actor Mammootty, the Padma Bhushan is another feather in his cap. However, the greatest recognition he has already earned is the love and acceptance of the audience. Mohiniyattam artist Vimala Menon, environmental activist Devaki Amma and space scientist Dr Muthunayagam are among the prominent personalities from Kerala who received the Padma Shri. N Rajam, who was born in Ernakulam, received the Padma Shri under the Uttar Pradesh list, but this too can be considered an honour that adds to Kerala's glory.