‘He's truly embodied Guru's spirit and guided the youth’: Kerala CM showers praise on SNDP leader Vellappally

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, describing him as a leader who has truly embodied the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. The CM was speaking at the inauguration of the Sreenarayaneeyam Convention Centre.

Vijayan said that Vellappally has internalised Guru’s ideals and demonstrated unwavering commitment in guiding the younger generation. Under his leadership, SNDP Yogam has achieved huge financial growth, and his long-term vision in empowering marginalised communities through education and employment is commendable.

“For over three decades, Vellappally Natesan has led this great movement. His determination to steer the organisation forward, fulfil its goals and mentor the next generation is exemplary. His efforts to transform SNDP into a strong economic force deserve recognition. True social justice is realised only when the economically backward gain access to education and employment—and Vellappally has worked to make Guru’s vision a reality,” the CM said.

Vijayan also reflected on SNDP’s historic role in Kerala’s social renaissance. At a time when casteism, superstition and regressive customs held sway, SNDP emerged as a beacon of reform. Guru’s call to “become enlightened through education and empowered through organisation” was embraced across the state, leading to transformative change.

SNDP’s relentless efforts opened the doors of knowledge to communities long denied literacy. The organisation brought the light of education into homes and reshaped society in meaningful ways.

The CM emphasised that SNDP’s role in practically implementing Guru’s philosophy is unparalleled. It has helped restore dignity and self-respect among marginalised groups.

However, Vijayan warned of deliberate attempts to sow communal division in society. He said that caste-based and religious prejudices were defeated through the spread of renaissance ideals, but regressive forces continue to try and take root.

“Communalism, in any form, is destructive. It tears apart the social fabric. We must be vigilant against those who plant seeds of hatred in people’s minds. Some communal forces are even trying to appropriate Sree Narayana Guru and misuse his teachings to spread division. But Guru always stood against communalism—he taught unity, not separation,” the CM concluded.