Shri V.K. Madhavan Nair, President, Sree Udiyannoor Devi Kshetra Yogam,
Shri K. Jayakukmar IAS, Director IMG, Former Chief Secretary,
Padma Shri Dr. G. Shankar, Chairman, Habitat,
Padma Shri Madhu, Kerala's most respected film personality,
Shri Justice K.P. Balachandran, Former Judge, High Court Kerala,
Shri B. Sasidhara Kurup, Secretary,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am very happy to address you after presenting the Udiyannoor Amma Puraskaram to noted film personality
Shri Madhu, who commands the respect, love and admiration of every Malayalee.
Let me begin by congratulating Shri Madhu on receiving this recognition from the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple, a holy presence which is one of the ancient Devasthanams in Kerala.
I also compliment the Temple Trust for having chosen this illustrious actor and director for this honor.
I am informed that the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple, which has been selected by the Government of India for assistance under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, has a unique legend behind its origin, dating back to 644 AD. The story of a devotee named Neelakantan, getting a vision about the Thirumudi of Goddess Devi appearing in the flood, his success in retrieving it from an actual flood and worshiping it are well known. The Naivedyam he offered to the Goddess with rice flour, coconut and banana remaining famous even today as Udiyannoor Ada, speaks volumes about the unfailing faith of the devotees in the power of this temple.
As we all know, the legend behind a temple often gives society, some lofty concepts and lessons that provide a common ground for unity among people in a locality. Our temples, which have attracted people of many faiths, often stand as towers of strength that protect a population and an area from calamities, disease and deprivation. That is why, the first yield in many of our farms are presented as offering of gratitude to the temples. I am informed that the Ooroottu festival, conducted once in three years in this temple relates to the war between the Rajas of Vaiga and Madura Kingdoms in Tamil Nadu. The festival also throws light on a shared culture that Kerala and Tamilnadu have always enjoyed.
Our temples have been places of worship as well as sources of inspiration to our people. The tune of the chantings, the rhythm of the bells and the percussion and the temple's general ambiance of divinity inspire people by cleansing their minds. It is this act of purification that often encourages devotees to be active in the service of the people who need society's help. I am happy that the trust named Sree Udiyannoor Devi Foundation has been adopting school children from upper primary to higher secondary level and meeting all the expenses in connection with their education and health.
The 'Sree Udiyannooramma Puraskaram', which Shri Madhu has just received, has been seen by its earlier recipients as a blessing from the Goddess. The stature of the earlier recipients of this Award points to the prestige and social significance attached to it. I am happy that this year, the award committee has unanimously selected the Shri Madhu, who is also a recipient of Padma Shri.
Shri Madhavan Nair, better known to the world as Madhu, is undoubtedly the most respected senior cine artistes of our times. He has attained enviable success as an actor, director and film producer. His acting career has not been limited to Malayalam alone. He has also acted in Hindi, Bengali and Tamil movies. His role as one of the seven characters in Saath Hindustani, the hindi film, directed by the very talented K.A. Abbas, is well known. The majestic impression he made as an actor in Malayalam is evident from the way he immortalized his character in the film, Chemmeen, which was the first South Indian film to win the President's Gold Medal. He has also won great appreciation for his role in many socially relevant activities.
It is true that Shri Madhu has won many awards including the Padma Shri. But, his incomparable contribution to Malayalam cinema and his involvement in the social causes give us more reasons to honour him. By honouring this highly respected artiste, the devotees of Sree Udiyannoor Ammaalso stand honoured. On behalf of everyone present here, let me once again congratulate Shri Madhu on receiving this honour and wish him a happier and healthier life ahead.
Let me conclude by reminding this august gathering that the radiance of a temple's faith must encourage us to serve the less privileged people in society. The service of the less privileged people is seen as the real service to God, as explained in the saying, Manav Seva, Madhav seva. In fact, our social harmony has been created on the strength of such unfailing faith in the service of humanity. As devotees who rely on the divine power, we are duty bound to view divinity in social service and contribute to this harmony in society. I hope such harmony would prevail in all the future activities of this great Temple.
I also hope that the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple would be able to effectively utilize the aid of Rupees One Crore Ninety Four Thousand, granted by the Government of India for the construction of the Annadana Mandapam and development of the parking area.
I wish all the students who received educational assistance a bright future.
I also compliment the members of the Temple Trust for having conducted this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
