Senior Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran has expressed dismay over the reluctance of political parties and organisations in exposing forces that try to create deep chasm in the social fabric of the State by dividing people on religious and caste lines.
“The activities of divisive forces are pulling the State back to its olden days when social disharmony prevailed. These forces are trying to whip up communal feelings,” Mr. Sudheeran said.
Book discussion
He was speaking at a function organised by the Sree Narayana Cultural Mission in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday to discuss Dharma bodhathil Jeevicha Karmayogi, a biography of Dr Palpu written by M.K. Sanu, on the occasion of the 150 birth anniversary of the social reformer.
The State which was the harbinger of social change and which stood as an example of bringing social changes would suffer if such forces succeed in their attempts. More disturbing was the fact that political parties and organisations were not coming forward to expose the deeds of such forces, he said.
Dr Palpu, the former Speaker said, fought relentlessly against oppression towards marginalised sections of society, particularly the Ezhava community, and never showed disappointment when he was not able to gain results.
“His tone of rebellion against the Travancore rulers was matured and he used established means to expose the cause of the oppressed sections, he said.
“Dr Palpu believed that it was the duty of rulers to uphold ‘raj dharma’.”
Memorial renovation
Expressing displeasure over the poor maintenance of the memorial built for Dr Palpu in the city, Mr. Sudheeran said he would be happy to associate with renovation of the memorial if like-minded organisations and people come out with a proper plan.
Mr. Sanu’s work was successful in giving a vivid account on the life, vision and work of Dr Palpu, the Congress leader said.
The former Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court K. Sreedharan, former Minister A. Neelalohithadasan Nadar, writer Vellayani Arjunan and Mr. Sanu were among those who spoke.
