Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on Friday hailed social reformers Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali as champions of humanity and social justice, characterising them as being among the most significant revolutionaries in the state's history.

Statewide events were held across Kerala to commemorate the 171st birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru alongside the 163rd birth anniversary of Ayyankali.

Marking the occasion via a Facebook post, Satheesan emphasised that Guru's historical impact stemmed from actively living out his philosophy rather than merely preaching it, asserting that human identity supersedes caste and religious labels. He noted that Guru was not a representative of any specific community, with universal love and humanity serving as the bedrock of his spiritual and social crusade.

Turning to Ayyankali, the Chief Minister remarked that the reformer empowered historically marginalised communities—who were previously confined to subsistence labour—by highlighting education as the sole engine for social advancement. He added that Ayyankali's relentless fight against caste-based oppression and his advocacy for the underprivileged remain a source of inspiration for modern society.

"Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali are, in every sense, the greatest revolutionaries Kerala has seen," Satheesan said while honoring the legacies of both leaders.

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also paid tribute in a separate Facebook post, stating that Sree Narayana Guru reshaped Kerala's social fabric by declaring humanity as man's only caste. Vijayan highlighted that Guru spearheaded the social renaissance during an era dominated by caste hierarchy, elite hegemony, and institutionalized social evils that suppressed human liberty and dignity.

Vijayan observed that Guru directly challenged economic exploitation and caste disparities, urging backward classes to unite, gain strength, and pursue enlightenment through education. He stressed that Guru's actions persistently destabilised entrenched caste hierarchies while combatting superstition to foster a progressive society anchored in knowledge, labour, and self-respect.

According to Vijayan, Guru's philosophy served as a universal declaration of humanity designed to dismantle sectarian divisions based on creed or caste. He added that this vision has acquired heightened relevance in contemporary times as secularism and democratic norms face emerging challenges from renewed casteism and communalism.

Despite modern political polarisation and divisive rhetoric, Vijayan asserted that Guru's legacy provides the fortitude required to overcome social fractures, reiterating Guru's aspiration for a brotherhood that transcends religious and caste divides.

Commenting on Ayyankali, Vijayan noted that the leader envisioned a future built on total equality, human dignity, and social justice.

"May the memory of his struggles give us the strength to realise that dream and protect Kerala’s progressive values," he said.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar joined in honoring the two figures, writing on Facebook that their struggles and teachings remain deeply inspirational across generations. Chandrasekhar described Guru as one of the preeminent spiritual and social reformers of both Kerala and India, noting that his timeless principles continue to offer personal guidance.

Regarding Ayyankali, Chandrasekhar stated that his historic crusade against systemic inequality and his unyielding commitment to securing education and dignity for the downtrodden remain a beacon for future generations. (PTI)