NSS backs Sukumaran Nair on faith protection
In Changanassery, the Nair Service Society (NSS) has reaffirmed its full support for General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair’s position on faith protection. The declaration comes as Sukumaran Nair faced criticism over remarks perceived as reflecting a left-leaning government’s stance, and as political parties seek to instrumentalize the issue for electoral gains.
Context: Controversy and political reactions
The remarks attributed to Sukumaran Nair drew attention from multiple political fronts, with the Congress and BJP accused of attempting to frame the discussion for partisan advantage. NSS leaders clarified that the issue of faith protection should remain free from political coercion or manipulation. The debate has underscored the broader tension between safeguarding religious customs and the currents of state policy in Kerala.
Public statements and NSS’s stance
At a public gathering held at the Perunna NSS headquarters, Sukumaran Nair outlined why the organization supports a government position on faith protection. He emphasized that the NSS does not align with any political party and is not inviting political entities into its discussions. Instead, the NSS asserts that its stance reflects a collective commitment to protecting faith and traditional practices, without allowing partisan agendas to enter the conversation.
Important clarifications
Sukumaran Nair stated, in straightforward terms, that he has not invited any party to participate in discussions on faith protection. He also cautioned that political parties should respect the neutrality of the NSS and avoid using the issue to curry favor or mobilize supporters. This assertion mirrors the broader NSS principle of maintaining a non-partisan approach to matters of faith and cultural heritage.
Role of community leadership and cultural continuity
The NSS position resonates with the views of community scholars such as Samudayaacharyan Mannath Padmanabhan, who has long advocated for the preservation of faith and ritual practices. NSS’s alignment with these values underscores a broader aim of preserving religious rites and customs while engaging with governmental channels in a constructive, non-political manner. Following these expressions, Sukumaran Nair also announced involvement in the Global Ayyappa gathering, signaling continued engagement with faith-based forums on a global scale.
What comes next
As discussions around faith protection continue, the NSS leadership has signaled a clear preference for measured, non-partisan dialogue. The organization believes that the government’s approach to faith protection should be judged on its outcomes for communities and for the preservation of religious practices rather than on political optics. The message from Changanassery is that faith communities should engage with policy decisions while keeping partisan maneuvering at bay.
Conclusion: A call for unity and respectful discourse
With full backing from the NSS’s supreme authority, G. Sukumaran Nair’s stance on faith protection receives strong institutional support. The emphasis remains on unity, respectful dialogue, and safeguarding religious traditions in a way that transcends party lines. As Kerala and its diverse communities navigate evolving policy landscapes, the NSS’s clarified position seeks to ensure that faith protection remains a matter of cultural preservation and shared responsibility, rather than a battleground for political leverage.
