Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan unveiled the statue of social reformer and freedom fighter Mannathu Padmanabhan and inaugurated the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam at the Mannam International Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi. The event was organized by the Nair Service Society (NSS), Delhi on July 12, 2026.
In his address, the Vice President described the occasion as a historic celebration of Padmanabhan's enduring legacy, noting that the memorial represents "the consecration of an enduring legacy" and a living tribute to a visionary whose ideals of social justice, equality and national service transcend caste, region and religion. He highlighted Padmanabhan's lifelong dedication to societal upliftment through education, social reform, self-reliance and community service as the founder of NSS.
The Vice President noted that NSS Delhi has grown to 25 branches across Delhi-NCR with approximately 25,000 members and praised its work in preserving Kerala's cultural heritage through Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam while promoting modern education and social service. During the event, Radhakrishnan also planted a sapling as part of the nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Shri Suresh Gopi, President of NSS Delhi Shri M. K. G. Pillai, and General Secretary of NSS Delhi Shri M. D. Jayaprakash were among the distinguished guests present at the ceremony.