New Delhi, 12 July (H.S.): Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday inaugurated the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam, a memorial hall at the Mannam International Centre in New Delhi. The event was organised by the Delhi branch of the Nair Service Society (NSS). On the occasion, he also unveiled the statue of renowned social reformer and freedom fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan.

Tributes were paid to Mannathu Padmanabhan, who founded the Nair Service Society in 1914 and played a pivotal role in advancing social justice, education, equality and community service for the upliftment of the Nair community in Kerala. Union Minister Suresh Gopi and office-bearers of the NSS Delhi branch were also present at the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President highlighted Mannathu Padmanabhan's lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, education and community service. He said that the reformer's ideals continue to inspire the nation's journey towards building an inclusive and harmonious society.

The Vice President also commended the efforts of the Delhi unit of the Nair Service Society for preserving and promoting Mannathu Padmanabhan's legacy through the establishment of the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam.

During the programme, he planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to mark the inauguration of the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam and the unveiling of the statue of Mannathu Padmanabhan at the Mannam International Centre.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar