THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan stated that Kerala Kaumudi played a major role in bringing him to the leadership of the organisation. He said that Kerala Kaumudi has always stood by him as a source of support and strength. He was speaking while receiving an honour bestowed upon him by Kerala Kaumudi for completing three decades as the General Secretary of the SNDP Yogam.
"I had tried my best to avoid taking up this heavy responsibility, but it was the advice of Swami Saswathikananda and the insistence of Kerala Kaumudi editor M.S. Mani that ultimately led me to this position. While those two stood at the forefront, V.S. Achuthanandan backed me as another strong force. I am happy with this 'deceit.’ Kerala Kaumudi continues to stand by me as it promised me back then," Vellappally said.
"I took up the leadership of the Yogam after leaving behind large-scale contract work. I've reached this point after surviving numerous crises. Having been through fire, I won't wither in the sun. When I took charge as general secretary, there were criticisms from various quarters. At all such times, it was Kerala Kaumudi that stood by me," he said.
"I did not win my first election because of my own merit. The writings of Kerala Kaumudi, the advice of Swami Saswathikananda, and the support of the Left played a major role in my victory. The money spent by my opponents went to waste. I am not afraid of anyone. That is why I will say what needs to be said to anyone. Some truths I spoke recently became the subject of major controversy. There was a campaign portraying me as being against the Muslim community. But what I spoke about was the neglect shown towards the Ezhava community when the Muslim League was in power. While the Muslim community has 11 aided colleges and six Arabic colleges in Malappuram district, the Ezhava community was not even granted a single primary school. If such truths cannot be spoken, then there’s no meaning in me holding the general secretary’s chair,” he said.