Changanassery: The Nair Service Society (NSS) seems displeased with the Left Democratic Front Government in Kerala over not declaring a public holiday on the birth anniversary of its founder Mannathu Padmanabhan which is traditionally marked as Mannam Jayanthi.
NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair has warned that if the government continued with its negative attitude towards the demands raised by his organisation then it would face serious consequences.
He said the central and the state governments had recognised the contribution of Mannam and bestowed honours on several occasions. The previous United Democratic Front government had declared Mannam’s birthday, which falls on January 2, as a public holiday.
“We just asked the state government to bring this holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Though we raised the same demand on several occasions, the government rejected our plea citing flimsy grounds. We strongly protest against the government's negative attitude,” he said.
However, at the same time these people (Left leaders) are holding Mannathu Padmanabhan’s portrait, hailing him as leader of the social reform movement. People can see through such double standards, he added.
Nair also said the NSS has been functioning for over 100 years on a secular foundation and laid stress on its famous equidistant policy towards the governments of the time.
"The organisation’s stand is clear: it treats all political parties equally, accepts the good work of the governments and criticises their wrong policies," Sukumaran Nair stated.
He was speaking after paying floral tributes at the Mannam Samadhi to mark the 145th birth anniversary of social reformer and NSS founder Mannathu Padmanabhan at its headquarters at Perunna in Changanassery town.
NSS treasurer Dr M Sasikumar and NSS registrar P N Suresh also paid floral tributes at the Samadhi in the morning.
Mannathu Padmanabhan Jayanthi was observed in 60 taluk unions and karayogams coming under the unions across the state on Sunday.
Mannathu Padmanabhan was borm on January 2, 1878 and passed away on February 25, 1970. He is widely referred to as Mannam in local parlance.