THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The centenary year foundation day of SMSS Hindu Mahila Mandiram, one of Kerala’s pioneering women’s welfare and empowerment institutions, commenced here on Sunday.
The charitable organization was founded by K. Chinnamma with the aim of educating, empowering and rehabilitating girls from less privileged background, irrespective of religion or caste.
Inaugurating the centenary celebrations, K Raman Pillai, Former State President, BJP, said Chinnamma, who was born in Edava Matam at Attingal and rose to limelight by braving the difficult situations, is the brightest star of Kerala’s renaissance history. “She laid the foundation for women’s education to enable them to stand along with their counterparts.”
Eminent Sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, who inaugurated the photo exhibition showcasing the 100 years of Mahila Mandiram, opined that the history of Mahila Mandiram evokes awe as there are few institutions in India that bear such a historical background. Kunhiraman called for compiling the documents of the Mandiram to showcase them in a museum.
K.Y. Radhalekshmi, President, Mahila Mandiram, presided over the function where Dr Sulekha Kurup delivered the keynote address. Prof. KR Ravindran Nair; V Mohandas, President, Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swami Seva Sangham; M Sreekumari, Secretary; and Meena Ramesh, Joint Secretary, also spoke.
A floral tribute was paid at the memorial of Chinnamma on the occasion. Various cultural programmes by the inmates of the institution were also held.
The photo exhibition showcases the 100-year history of Mahila Mandiram, including rare photographs, detailed description of the founder and the institution, former presidents, and secretaries. It also highlights the honours conferred on the institution, including the National Award for Child Welfare Activities in 2012, the Kerala Kala Kendram Award 2009, and the District Honour for Handloom Institution by State Industrial Department.
Another attraction is the comments in the visitors’ diary by erstwhile Travancore ruler Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Mannathu Padmanabhan, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajagopalachari, Annie Besant, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and ONV Kurup during their visits to Mahila Mandiram. The photo exhibition will be open to public till January 6.
