The Hindu : `Setback for reformist movement'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 20, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

`Setback for reformist movement'

By Our Staff Reporter

THRISSUR MAY 19. A reverse trend was witnessed vis-a-vis the social reformist movements in the State after the formation of State, according to the former Kerala High Court judge, C. S. Rajan. Inaugurating a seminar on `The social and economic changes after the formation of Kerala--the future of Kerala' here on Saturday in connection with the silver jubilee celebrations of the Yogakshema Sabha, Mr. Rajan said the reformist movements have not been active after gaining Independence.

"We have gone backward after the formation of the Kerala State. There has not been an incident of reformist nature that can be termed as milestones for the last half a century.

In the past, when the question of who would dare to marry a widow was raised by V.T. (Bhattathirippad), there was an M.R.B. to take up the challenge. But now how many would come forward for such a daring act? What will be the situation if the question is raised before the audience here now.''

He pointed out that it was the duty of those who uphold humanism to stick steadfastly to reformist achievements and battle for more success. Those who proclaim the welfare of human beings and those who wish the prosperity of the entire universe should take upon their shoulders the challenges of the current times.

The economic expert, T S Anantharaman, who presented the topic, said in the changed world only those willing to take up the big challenges alone can achieve progress. The Namboodiris should be in the forefront of political and industrial sectors. They could restore their glory if they, as a community leading in intellectual power, could exploit the potentialities in the IT sector. A C Jose, MP, presided. The State president of the Sabha, K P Vamanan Namboodiri, Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA, K N Neelakantan Namboodiri and Prof Kakkad Parameshwaran Namboodiri were among those who participated in the seminar.

Earlier, the youth meet was inaugurated by the District Collector, T O Suraj. Kizhakkedath Madhavan Namboodiri presented the topic `Values and erosion of values in youth.' Ashok Koonampilli presided. A collective titled `Maithreyam' to discuss about the Namboodiri community, temples and organisational activities was also held.

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