New Delhi | January 2, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to noted social reformer and freedom fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a visionary leader who devoted his life to social reform, equality, and the dignity of every individual. The Prime Minister said Padmanabhan’s ideals and life’s work continue to inspire efforts toward building a just and compassionate society.

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said that Mannathu Padmanabhan was a towering personality whose commitment to serving society went beyond words and reflected in action. He described Padmanabhan as a visionary who firmly believed that true progress could only be achieved through dignity, equality, and meaningful social reform. The Prime Minister also noted that Padmanabhan’s contributions in fields such as health, education, and women empowerment remain deeply motivating even today.

Several other national and state leaders also paid homage to the renowned reformer. Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Padmanabhan as a dedicated patriot and wise social reformer who worked tirelessly to strengthen social values in Kerala. He said Padmanabhan’s efforts played a key role in shaping a more just and equitable society and left a lasting impact on social life in the state.

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrashekhar highlighted Padmanabhan’s role as a freedom fighter and as the founder of the Nair Service Society, commonly known as the NSS. He said Padmanabhan’s life and work continue to inspire generations to stand up against social inequality through education, unity, and organised social action.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also paid tribute, describing Mannathu Padmanabhan as one of the most influential figures in Kerala’s history. He remembered him as a fearless freedom fighter and a committed reformer whose legacy lives on through the institutions he built, especially the NSS, which continues to promote social progress and quality education.

Mannathu Padmanabhan, popularly known as Mannam, was born on January 2, 1878, in Perunna near Changanassery in present-day Kerala. His early life was marked by financial difficulties and interruptions in his education. Despite these challenges, he went on to become a teacher and later a lawyer. These experiences deeply shaped his understanding of social injustice and strengthened his resolve to work for reform and equality.

In 1912, Padmanabhan founded the Keraleeya Nair Samajam, which later evolved into the Nair Service Society in 1915. While the NSS initially focused on the social and educational upliftment of the Nair community, Padmanabhan’s vision was broader and inclusive. He believed that social reform should benefit society as a whole and contribute to Kerala’s larger social awakening.

Padmanabhan played an active role in several major social and political movements. He participated in the Guruvayur Satyagraha of 1931, opposed authoritarian rule in the princely state of Travancore, and later served as a member of the Travancore Legislative Assembly. He also worked to strengthen educational infrastructure by supporting and establishing institutions, including the NSS Engineering College.

In recognition of his lifelong service to society, Mannathu Padmanabhan was honoured with the title ‘Bharata Kesari’ and later awarded the Padma Bhushan. He passed away in 1970, but his legacy as a principled leader, institution builder, and social reformer continues to shape Kerala’s public and social life even today.

 PM Modi Remembers Social Reformer and Freedom Fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan on His Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to renowned social reformer and freedom fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a leader who dedicated his life to equality, dignity, and social change. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister described Padmanabhan as a visionary who believed that real progress in society is rooted in justice, compassion, and reform. He also highlighted Padmanabhan’s inspiring work in areas such as education, health, and women empowerment.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage, calling Padmanabhan a true patriot and a wise reformer who worked tirelessly to strengthen social values in Kerala. He said Padmanabhan’s efforts helped lay the foundation for a fair and inclusive society. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrashekhar recalled Padmanabhan’s role as a freedom fighter and the founder of the Nair Service Society, noting that his life continues to motivate people to challenge social inequality through education and organised effort.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remembered Padmanabhan as a towering figure in Kerala’s history. He described him as a fearless freedom fighter and a committed reformer whose legacy lives on through the Nair Service Society, which continues to support social progress and quality education.

Mannathu Padmanabhan, popularly known as Mannam, was born on January 2, 1878, in Perunna near Changanassery in Kerala. Despite facing financial hardship and breaks in his education, he became a teacher and later a lawyer. These experiences shaped his deep concern for social injustice and his lifelong commitment to reform.

In 1912, he founded the Keraleeya Nair Samajam, which later became the Nair Service Society in 1915. Though focused on community upliftment, his vision extended to Kerala’s wider social reform movement. He played an active role in the Guruvayur Satyagraha, opposed authoritarian rule in Travancore, served in the Travancore Legislative Assembly, and supported the growth of educational institutions such as the NSS Engineering College. Awarded the Padma Bhushan, his legacy continues to guide generations.