Shri V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture,
Prof. C. Ravindranath, Hon’ble Minister for Education,
Advocate Shri Therambil Ramakrishnan, Former Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly,
Shri Chithran Namboodiripad,
Shri T.S. Pattabhiraman, Chairman, Bhavan’s Thrissur Kendra,
Shri K.P. Achuthan, Secretary, Bhavan’s Thrissur Kendra,
Madhyama Suhruthukkale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to address you this evening as we honour the services of Shri Chithran Namboodiripad, who is rightly regarded as an Acharya by people who have known him and his service.
Let me begin by complimenting theThrissur Centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavanfor organizing this function. I am told that this Centre was set up in 1978 as a unit of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the globally known cultural and educational movement and that it has been successfully managing two reputed schools, which guide over 5000 students.
As we all know, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has been rendering valuable service in education since 1938, following the ideals of its founder, the great legal luminary and well-known writer, Kulapati K.M. Munshi.
I am informed that the Thrissur centre of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was started under the leadership of Sri Chithran Namboodiripad. This function therefore, is also a recognition of his far-sight in using education as a tool for the uplift of society. Considering his valuable work in various fields, we can undoubtedly describe the life of Shri Chithran Namboodiriopadas onemeaningfully devoted to the service of humanity.
It is said that a life becomes exceptional when it is lived with a concern for the society and the world. As many others born into a Brahmin family, Shri Chitran Namboodiripad could have been content with his conventional course in Saama Veda and Sanskrit, usually received at home. But, he continued his formal education, completing his Graduation and Post Graduation from the famous Pachaiyyappa’s College in Chennai. With this degree, he could have secured a high paying job and lived happily, without bothering about the society.
But, what made Shri Chithran Namboodiripadexceptional was the way education had moulded his mindset. For him, the knowledge he received was an eye opener to the educational backwardness of his village. His concern was about how he could set up an educational institution in his village with the support of his elders. He set an example by establishing a High School in a five acre plot donated by his family and to guide the school, he took the role of the Head Master in 1952.
What was even greater was the decision to handover the school and its entire infrastructure to the State Government for a nominal consideration of One rupee one in 1957. It was therefore, only befitting that the school was renamed Sri Chithran Namboodiripad Government High Secondary Schoolduring his 84th birthday celebrations.
I am happy to know that Shri Chithran Namboodiripad's contributions continued to enrich the educational sector in Kerala when he rose to the level of Joint Director of Public Instruction. What merits special mention is the vision behind his efforts to initiate the State School Youth Festival, which has now grown into one of the largest school festivals in Asia. The interest he had shown in encouraging sports and games in schools points to his broad approach towards the concept of education and personality development.
As the Chancellor of the universities in Kerala, I have watched the growth of Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed Universityin the last four years. The signs of a strong foundation was visible in the development of different courses and facilities. I am happy that Shri Chithran Namboodiripad, in his capacity as secretary of Kalamandalam, had worked hard to secure an international exposure for its artistes by getting them opportunities to perform in many foreign countries like United States of America, Japan and Germany.
The philosophy of life that always guided and marked Indian culture was one of compassion and true understanding. It is this philosophy which has encouraged us to look within us and to look around to see who needs our support. We have hailed many great men and women as saints and followed their ideals in life. What makes them saintly and worthy of being followed is their ability to see the world as one and their fellow beings as members of one family, regardless of religious beliefs or other narrow differences.
I believe that it was this philosophy which guided Shri Chithran Namboodiripad in offering help to an orphaned boy, who was badly affected by the Earthquake in Utharakhand four years ago. As a teacher with such a compassionate attitude towards children, it is not surprising that he was once honoured through the conferment of the National Award for teachers in 1967. Again, it is his quality as a mentor and teacher that is visible in his interest in sharing the knowledge and experiences he has acquired, through the publication of books.
I would request today's teachers to see a role model in Shri Chithran Namboodiripad. Perhaps, the general feeling is that the schools of today are well equipped and that teachers only need to guide students. This is not true; the teachers also have a responsibility to ensure the balanced intellectual growth of the students, for which compassion and understanding are to be cultivated in children.
It is truly a blessing to live up to be one hundred years old. It is a greater blessing to ensure that one's life was always dedicated to the welfare of society. I wish Shri Chithran Namboodiripad a healthy, happy and peaceful life ahead.
I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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