Ayya Vaikunda Swami memorial to be defence against distortion of history: CM

The Ayya Vaikunda Swami memorial in the State capital will be a strong bulwark against attempts to distort history by protecting values of social reformation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the memorial to be built near the Press Club here under the aegis of the Culture department with Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) assistance at a cost of ₹3.16 crore.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Ayya Vaikunda Swami was among the most prominent names who had prepared the foundations of the social reformation movement. His life and struggles were a reply to those who argued that the olden days, when regressive customs were common, were good. He espoused the message of humaneness when untouchability existed.

The Samathwa Samajam founded by him helped created a social consciousness that all humans were equal. It fought against feudal exploitation and imperalism and implemented the concept of Panthibhojanam (inter-caste dining), the Chief Minister said.

He underlined the need to reinforce the culture of humaneness, love and brotherhood established by the leaders of the social reformation movement. At the same time, those bent upon breaking up the progressive Kerala society should be resisted. The memorial would be an inspiration for efforts in that direction, Mr. Vijayan said.

Balaprajapathi Adigalar, head of the Ayya Vaikunda Swami Math at Swamithope in Kanyakumari, presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Minister for Culture Saji Cherian presided over the function.