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SNDP Movement: Empowerment, Unity, Transformation & Social Change
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The SNDP Movement and Visionary Leaders in Indian Social Transformation was primarily focused on upliftment of Ezhava Community of Kerala. It also took up many social reforms.
Aruvippuram Movement: Birth of SNDP
- Sree Narayana Guru Swamy initiated the Aruvippuram Movement in 1888, a precursor to SNDP, aiming for social upliftment.
- In 1889, the Aruvippuram Kshetra Yogam was established with the goal of becoming a significant organization to promote the material and spiritual progress of the Ezhava community.
- This Kshetra Yogam later evolved into the Aruvippuram SNDP Movement, which was formally registered in 1903 under the Indian Companies Act.
Aruvippuram SNDP Movement: Empowering the Marginalized #
- Initiation and Key Figures: The Aruvippuram movement, which later evolved into the SNDP Movement, attracted prominent poet Kumaran Asan, who became a disciple of Narayana Guru.
- Under the leadership of Sree Narayana Guru as the permanent Chairman and Kumaran Asan as the General Secretary, the SNDP movement gained momentum.
- Issues Addressed: The SNDP Movement addressed several critical issues faced by the Ezhava community, including the right of admission to public schools, equitable recruitment to government services, access to roads, entry to temples, and political representation.
- Transformative Changes: The SNDP movement ushered in significant structural changes, including enabling upward social mobility, reshaping the traditional distribution of power, and uniting various ‘backward castes’ into a formidable collective.
- Role of Dr. Palpu: The formation of SNDP was greatly influenced by the efforts of Dr. Palpu, who initiated the fight for social justice through SNDP Movement like Ezhava Memorial and Malayali Memorial.
- His contributions were instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities in Kerala.
Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928):
- Narayana Guru belonged to the Ezhava caste, which was traditionally associated with toddy-tapping and faced discrimination, including denial of education and temple entry.
- Ezhavas constituted a significant portion of Kerala’s population, making up twenty-six percent of the total.
- In 1888, Narayana Guru retrieved a stone from the Neyyar River and installed it as a Sivalinga at Aruvippuram during Sivaratri.
- This act was a statement to challenge the notion that only higher castes could perform idol consecrations.
- The SNDP Movement initiated by him sparked a revolution in Kerala, resulting in the removal of numerous discriminatory practices.
- He believed in the equality of all religions, condemned animal sacrifice, and advocated against divisions based on caste, race, or creed.
- The words “Devoid of dividing walls of caste or race, or hatred of rival faith, we all live here in brotherhood” were inscribed on the wall of the Aruvippuram temple.
- Additionally, Narayana Guru encouraged Ezhavas to abandon the toddy tapping profession and cease alcohol consumption.
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SNDP and The Servant Society #
- The Servants of India Society was established in 1905 by Gopal Krishna Gokhle and M. G. Ranade in Maharashtra. SNDP prioritizes societal well-being.
- Its objectives included training national missionaries for India’s service and promoting the true interests of the Indian people through constitutional means.
- The society aimed to create a dedicated cadre of selfless workers, including SNDP, who would serve the country with a sense of religious devotion.
- It did not engage in political activities or associate with political organizations like the Indian National Congress, including SNDP.
- The society initiated the publication of Hitavada in 1911 to disseminate its views.
- After Gokhale’s passing in 1915, Srinivasa Shastri assumed the role of president.
- The Servants of India Society continues to operate, with a reduced presence in various parts of India.
- It is now involved in education, providing Ashram-type schools for tribal girls and Balwadis at numerous locations. SNDP Movement continues its commitment to empowerment.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A Beacon of Social and Political Reform #
- Early Life and Background: Born on May 9, 1866, in Kotluk village in what is now Maharashtra, Gopal Krishna Gokhale hailed from a Brahmin family within the Bombay Presidency.
- Ideological Focus: Gokhale’s principles centered on social upliftment, the expansion of education, and advocating non-revolutionary methods as a means for India’s struggle for independence.
- Political Engagements: He served in colonial legislatures, first in the Bombay Legislative Council from 1899 to 1902 and later in the Imperial Legislative Council from 1902 until his passing in 1915.
- Gokhale played a crucial role in shaping the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 during his tenure in the Imperial legislature.
- Affiliation with INC: Gokhale was aligned with the Moderate Group of the Indian National Congress (INC), joining the organization in 1889.
- He became the INC’s president during the 1905 Banaras session, a period marked by significant differences between the Moderates and the Extremists within the Congress.
- Campaigns and Initiatives: He ardently campaigned for the release of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was imprisoned by the British in 1907, despite their ideological disparities.
- Gokhale established the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote Indian education and was associated with the Sarvajanik Sabha journal founded by Govind Ranade.
- In 1908, he founded the Ranade Institute of Economics and initiated the English weekly newspaper, The Hitavada.
- Mentorship to Mahatma Gandhi: Gokhale served as a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, who considered him his political guru.
- Gandhi dedicated a book in Gujarati to Gokhale titled ‘Dharmatma Gokhale.’
- Gokhale’s influence extended to shaping the early political thought and strategies of Gandhi in the struggle for India’s independence.
Mahadev Govind Ranade
Mahadev Govind Ranade: A Life of Remarkable Contributions
- Early Life and Education: Born on January 18, 1842, into a middle-class Maharashtrian family in Niphad, Nashik, Mahadev Govind Ranade embarked on his educational journey in Kolhapur, initially attending a Marathi school before transitioning to an English medium school.
- At the age of 14, he joined Elphinstone College in Bombay.
- Academic Achievements: Ranade was part of the inaugural student cohort of the University of Bombay and earned his BA in 1862, followed by an LLB degree four years later.
- He played a significant role in introducing vernacular languages into the university curriculum.
- Multifaceted Contributions: Throughout his life, Ranade made significant contributions to various fields.
- He served as a history instructor at Elphinstone College, sparking his interest in Maratha history and leading to the writing of ‘Rise of Maratha Power’ in 1900.
- Political and Social Activism: Ranade played a pivotal role in the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 and actively promoted organizations like the Prarthana Samaj, the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, and the Vaktruttvottejak Sabha.
- Educational Initiatives: He was instrumental in founding the Maharashtra Girls Education Society and the Huzurpaga, the oldest girls’ high school in Maharashtra, in 1885, alongside Vaman Abaji Modak and Dr. R. G. Bhandarkar.
- Financial Stewardship: In 1897, Ranade served as a committee member tasked with assessing national and local expenditure and providing recommendations to stabilize the financial condition.
- In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the ‘Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire’ (CIE) decoration by the British government.
- Legacy: Mahadev Govind Ranade’s contributions left an indelible mark on India’s social, educational, and political landscape.
- He passed away in 1901 at the age of around 59 years.
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Conclusion #
The SNDP Movement, led by figures like Sree Narayana Guru and Dr. Palpu, played a vital role in transformative social change. SNDP Movement emphasizes Ezhava community empowerment in Kerala, symbolizing resilience, progress, and community empowerment in India’s social landscape. SNDP Movement impact resonates through its commitment to positive change and unity.
Also Read: Liberation of Women: The evolution of the Status of Women in India
