'Like A Vishu Kaineettam': PM Modi's Tribute To Chettur Sankaran Nair Deeply Moves Family

In a heartfelt moment for the family of Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent tribute to the iconic civil rights leader has been described by his great-grandson as nothing short of a Vishu kaineettam—a traditional New Year gift in Kerala symbolising blessings and prosperity.

PM Modi’s Powerful Tribute 

While addressing a gathering in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi praised the immense courage of Sankaran Nair, spotlighting his bold resignation from the British Viceroy’s Executive Council in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.

PM Modi noted that Nair's contributions have remained largely unknown to the broader public, despite their historical weight. Nevertheless, his interactions with Congress were marked by considerable tension.

Who Was Sankaran Nair?

Chettur Sankaran Nair, born in 1857 in Kerala’s Mankara village, was a visionary lawyer, fearless reformer and early advocate for Indian self-rule. Known for his sharp intellect and independent thought, he challenged not only the colonial establishment but also the dominant political views of his era. His critiques extended to Mahatma Gandhi’s strategies, most notably in his provocative book Gandhi and Anarchy (1922), which stirred intense debate during the freedom movement.

Nair made history in 1897 by becoming the first Malayali to preside over the Indian National Congress. He also played a crucial role in advancing educational reforms and caste equality in Kerala, long before such issues gained mainstream attention.

A Family's Proud Moment

Reacting to the Prime Minister's homage, Nair’s great-grandson, Raghu, told The New Indian Express that the public recognition felt deeply personal and symbolic. “It felt like a Vishu kaineettam,” he said, referring to the cherished New Year tradition in Kerala where elders bless the young with gifts, usually coins or currency, to wish them prosperity and good fortune.

ALSO READ: C Sankaran Nair: Congressman Who Defied British Empire After Jallianwala, But Became A Footnote In History

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