Sabarimaa Copper scrolls found faux by ASI

 

Copper scrolls touted by Kerala’s left-liberal and activist groups to prove that the Sabarimala temple in Kerala had actually non-hindu Dravidian traditions and backward communities in Kerala had major rights in the temple was proved fabricated by an expert team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Kerala media reported on January 17, 2022 that after detailed scrutiny, an expert team which looked into it subsequent to a Kerala court’s directive categorically stated that the copper scroll was faux. The copper scroll was widely publicised by the left liberal groups to prove that present traditions of Sabarimala temple were the result of a conspiracy of Hindu orthodox groups and the Pandalam royal family in a copper scroll given to a family of backward community had actually granted rights to them over the temple.

The copper scroll story was broadcast by a Malayalam television channel 24 news, during the Sabarimala agitation in 2018. The agitation was in protest against a move of Kerala’’s leftist government to violate certain traditions of the temple. The 24 news supported the government move through a story most probably fabricated with a malicious intent to create fissures among Hindus in Kerala in the name of caste. Later, when it was found that there was prima facie evidence about fabrication of the copper scroll, Sahin Antony, a reporter of the 24 news was ousted from the channel.

Sahin Antony got the copper scroll on Sabarimala from a Kochi-based conman Monson who used to trade in fake antiques and dupe the pubic. Monson was reported to be close to top officials of the Kerala Police and political leaders. Monson reportedly got it from a Thrissur based trader who used to supply fake antiques to movie makers for shooting films.

Famous Kerala historian M G Sasibhooshan had revealed to the media that the copper scroll was fabricated in 1960s by a group to produce as evidence in a court case. Those who filed the case had claimed before a Kerala court that Cheerappanchira family (an Ezhava family at Muhamma in Alappuzha district) to which CPM leader late Susheela Gopalan belonged) had rights in Sabarimala temple, which were granted by Pandalam Kings who are believed to be the paternal family of Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala. 

However, the court had found the copper scroll was

fabricated and had dismissed the case. The same scroll was again used by leftists for their latest misinformation campaign against Sabarimala. Now Archaeological Survey has reiterated that the scroll is fabricated. Once again the conspiracy against Sabarimala temple has been exposed and stands defeated.

 S. Somantah, becomes ISRO chief 

Renowned space scientist S. Somanth has been appointed the chief of ISRO. He is an expert in the design and fabrication of launch vehicles and played a stellar role in the making of India's heavy lift vehicle GSLV MK III.

Mr. Somanath is the fifth Keralite to become the ISRO chief; the predecessors being Prof. MGK Menon, Dr Kasturirangan, G Madhavan Nair and K Radhakrishnan. Mr Somanath comes from a middle class family at Thuravoor in Alappuzha district in Kerala. His father Sreedhara Panicker has been a school teacher. Sri Panicker had been secretary of Thuravoor, Valamangalam North NSS Karayogam. Let us wish Somnath success in his new endeavour. Hope he would be able to discharge duties without fear or favour and bring more hnour to India. Let him be an inspiration. 

Mannam as an egalitarian and universal citizen

 

Mannath Padmanabhan, the founder of Nair Service Society was not just a caste leader as his name itself indicates. At an age when Nairs used surnames, Mannath Padmanabhan Pillai removed the surname from his name and became a total Hindu, thereby underscoring the idea of casteless Hindu society and the ultimate goal of universal brotherhood. As charity begins from home, Mannam began his work among his own community members; Nairs. But, he was never parochial or casteist. It would be appropriate to remember two incidents which testify his stature as a Sanatan Hindu on the occasion of birth anniversary of Mannath Padmanabhan which falls on Janurary 2.

Once while Mannam was staying at Pandalam, a youth came to see him. The youth was led to Mannath Appoppn (Grandpa Mannam) as he was fondly addressed. After exchanging pleasantries, Mannam asked the youth about his family. The youth said he belonged to Ezhava community and came from a poor background. Mannam then asked about the purpose of his visit. The youth, who was a Congress leader, said he wanted an admission to pre-university at Pandalam NSS College, but didn’t have enough marks to get admission on merit. He requested Mannam to give an admission in his personal quota. Mannam, though for a while, called an attendant and asked him to ensure that the youth got admission .

Some local NSS leaders were annoyed at the act of Mannam giving admission to a youth of another caste in Nair community quota. Mannam told them his logic. He said, that the youth was honest brave and has leadership qualities. He told me the truth and made a request. What is wrong in that? asked Mannam. He continued, “I am sure, he will go places in his political life. If we deny him a seat, he will approach some Christian management and they will readily grant him his wish. So isn't it better that we help him. He will be indebted to us, and in future he would remember us.”

Later, things turned out to be in the way Mannam predicted. The youth went on to become the finance minister off Kerala and was a powerful leader during his times. Whenever, he won he used to visit Mannam Samadhi and pay floral tributes.

One of my teachers, who is also from Ezhava community once told me about a gesture of Mannam which touched him greatly. My teacher was from a rich aristocratic Ezhava family from central Travancore. While he was studying for BSc in S.B College, Changanassery he went to see Mannam.

“It was out of sheer curiosity that I went to see him. I was a communist and never had any love lost for Mannam, who was against Communists then. There were many who were waiting to see Mannam, when I reached the house in Changanassery where he was staying. When my turn came, I was led to Mannam. He looked at me probingly and asked about my family. When I told him my family details, his face lighted up and there was a special warmth. He embraced me and told me that my maternal uncle was his great friend. Then, he enquired about my studies.

“I told him that I was studying at S.B College. Suddenly, he was angry. Why did you join SB college when our college (NSS Hindu College, Changanassery) was here? Why didn’t you approach me? Then he calmed down, and asked me to complete the degree and join NSS college for the post graduation. I was overwhelmed at his love. Then I realised why Mannam was called Grandpa by everyone, said my teacher.