"I will keep speaking about caste until injustice ends," says Vellappally Natesan

KOLLAM: SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has declared that he will continue to speak out about caste until caste discrimination is eradicated, while demanding that the state government appoint a commission to study the social backwardness of the Ezhava community.

Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised in Kollam by the SN Trust and ten Kollam SNDP Yogam unions following his receipt of the Padma Bhushan award, Natesan warned that the community will prepare for a third Nivarthana Agitation if the government fails to address its backwardness through a dedicated commission. Pointing to other communities that secured benefits after the state appointed commissions to study their conditions, he insisted that similar measures are necessary for Ezhavas.

Defending his public stances against accusations of communalism, Natesan drew comparisons to historical figures who advocated for the community. He noted that Kumaran Asan, who raised the grievances faced by Ezhavas in the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha, was never branded a communalist. Similarly, he pointed out that those who submitted the Malayali Memorial, Dr. Palpu who presented the Ezhava Memorial, and the leaders of the Nivarthana Agitation were not labeled as casteists. However, he lamented that he is singled out and branded as a casteist simply for speaking out against the injustices faced by Ezhavas.

Natesan cited his previous observation that Ezhavas have not been allocated a single educational institution in Malappuram district, an assertion that led to him being portrayed as anti-Muslim. He maintained that caste-based thinking originates from caste discrimination itself, arguing that while others discussing caste and religion are seen as upholding justice, his own remarks are portrayed as communalism. He emphasized that his efforts are solely directed toward putting the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru into practice.

The felicitation event was presided over by reception committee convenor Mohan Shankar. SNDP Yogam Vice President Thushar Vellappally, SN Trust Board Director Preethi Natesan, and MLA B.B. Gopakumar were among those who attended the gathering, which drew thousands of participants. During the ceremony, SNDP Yogam Devaswom Secretary Arayakkandi Santhosh read out a congratulatory letter sent to Natesan by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The welcome address was delivered by reception committee chairman Dr. G. Jayadevan, and joint secretary A. Somarajan proposed the vote of thanks.