P Gopinathan Nair passes away; died two days before 100th birthday

NEYYATINKARA: Freedom fighter and prominent Gandhian P. Gopinathan Nair has passed away. He died at a private hospital in Neyyatinkara two days before turning 100-years old. Gopinathan Nair met Gandhi during his studies and became fascinated with the freedom struggle movement. He actively participated in freedom struggle during college days. He was jailed for participating in the Quit India movement. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2016 by the country and has also served as the Chairman of the Gandhi Memorial Fund for a long period.

Gopinathan Nair was born on July 7, 1922 in Neyyatinkara as the son of M. Padmanabha Pillai and Janaki Amma. He did his schooling at High School, Neyyatinkara and then participated in the freedom struggle during his studies at University College. He was inspired after meeting Gandhi when he visited Neyyattinkara. From 1995 to 2000, he was the president of Gandhian Sevagram. He was active in peace efforts during the Hindu-Sikh conflict in Punjab and during the Marad riots.