INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION OF K. KUNHIRAMA KURUP JANMA SATHABDI MANDIRAM OF AT VADAKARA
- 1600 HRS. ON 24-03-2018
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shri C.K. Nanu, MLA,
Shri M P Veerendra Kumar,
Shri Pradeep Kumar, MLA, Shri Parakkal Abdulla, MLA
Shri E K Vijayan, MLA, Shri K P Mohanan, Former Minister,
Shri M K Premnath, Former MLA, Shri Gokulam Gopalan,
Shri Varughese George, Shri Manayath Chandran
Shri Rajesh P K, Secretary, Kunhirama Kurup Foundation
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to be in your midst and to inaugurate the Late Kunhirama Kurup Birth Centenary Building at Orkatteri in Vadakara. Let me at the outset, congratulate the Kunhirama Kurup Foundation and the organizers of this meeting, for constructing an impressive building in the name of a much respected Statesman of yesteryears.
I must mention that it was Shri C.K. Nanu MLA, who first informed me about the contributions of the Late Kunhirama Kurup. From the way he spoke, I could imagine that he too had drawn inspiration from the work of the Late leader. Shri. C.K. Nanu, who enjoys great support from the people has been a Legislator twice and was Minister for a year. I have also heard that Shri Nanu’s love for football comes only next to his love for the welfare of his constituency.
I am aware that today's function brings to the minds of all people present here, the sacred memory of the Late
K. Kunhirama Kurup, who was acknowledged by all as a Gandhian political leader who inspired a generation of social and political workers and leaders. His life was indeed filled with meaningful social activity, as can be inferred from the multiple roles he played. He was a teacher, freedom fighter, journalist, co-operator and politician rolled into one.
The greatness of Shri Kunhirama Kurup was that while discharging his multiple roles in society, he was focused on the welfare of the people, especially the oppressed and the economically weaker sections. When we know that he became a follower of Mahatma Gandhi at the age of 15, ignoring the stiff opposition from his orthodox family members, we get a clear picture of his determination to be useful to society.
A culture of selfless work and sacrifice was the hallmark of our Freedom struggle and Shri. Kurup was one in whom we saw that mark. Losing a job and livelihood, being beaten up by the Police or Army and being imprisoned for taking part in different struggles were not seen as negative qualities. In fact, such sacrifices of freedom fighters always inspired many youngsters to tread that path. I am certain that Shri. Kurup, who was a legend who underwent such difficulties, had inspired many people to become involved in selfless social service in Kerala. In fact, these followers and their committed work for the people are the really lasting monuments of role models like Shri. Kurup.
In these days when political activity has become a profession instead of a mission, people like Shri Kunhirama Kurup remain as unique, since he did not crave for any official position even while he was leading the Socialist Party in Kerala. For him, leading a farmer's struggle against eviction and other issues was more important than any parliamentary position. Such people are rare now; even if one tries to be like that, it may be difficult for him or her to survive, because today's politics is more of a politics of positions. We have also come to a stage where a person without a position finds too many hurdles in serving the people.
Buildings and statues are seen as the most common memorials to great people. However we also see the values for which a great person lived, going out of people's memory after a statue has been erected. But, I am happy that in the case of Shri Kunhirama Kurup, the building has come up only after many activities that celebrate his philosophy of
life have been carried out. It is good to know that the
Kunhirama Kurup Foundationhas been awarding the Kunhirama Kurup Puraskar to veteran leaders. The idea of honoring people in areas like teaching, journalism, agrarian movement etc., in which Shri Kurup excelled also reminds society of his values and contribution. A person's influence reaching out to people of different areas and professions is certainly, very inspiring.
I must also mention the efforts of the Foundation in conducting welfare activities for the physically and mentally challenged persons, medical camps, granting of pension etc., As a former judge of the Supreme Court who gave the verdict on providing 3% reservation and various directions to all Governments in respect of Persons with Disabilities – of course, it has recently been increased to 4% by Parliament– I have observed that our society is yet to make our public places disabled-friendly.
I would request the Foundation to convince our local Governments on the need to ensure such facilities everywhere. Now that the Government is trying to make the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 more widely known and implemented, the Foundation could play a constructive role in it. It will also add strength to the vocational training that you are offering to the differently-abled people. You may also be aware of the State's Information Technology Policy which envisages digital empowerment and employment to the differently-abled in IT. I hope the Foundation can make use of that opportunity, considering the fact that its work for the disabled had been recognized by the Government through an award in 2012.
I have been informed that this new building will have a digital and traditional library, Community Counseling center etc. I hope these facilities will be put to proper use so that the purpose behind the Janma Shatabdi Mandiramis fulfilled.
I once again compliment the Foundation and the leaders of various movements in Vadakara for making this Centenary Building a reality.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
***
