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Sri Mannam started his career as a teacher in 1893 in a Government Primary
School and after a few years he changed his profession and took up legal
practice from 1905 onwards. His life ambition was to uplift the Nairs and
to regain their lost power.
On October 31, 1914, Sri. Mannathu Padmanabhan and 14
other Nair Community members formed Nair Samudaya
Bhrutya Jana Sanghom in Travancore. Later the
organization became the Nair Service Society (NSS).
He served the society as its Secretary for 31 years and
as President for three years.
In 1924, Sri. Mannam took part in the Vaikom
Sathyagraha. He was an active member in the Guruvayoor
temple-entry and anti-untouchability agitation. He
became a member of the Indian National Congress in 1947
and took part in the Travancore State Congress agitation
against Sir C.P Ramaswamy Iyer's administration in
Travancore. In 1949 Sri. Mannam became a member of the
Travancore Legislative Assembly.
During all these years the Nair Service Society had
his constant attention and selfless service. It had now
grown into a powerful organisation with a vast
membership, substantial finances and various welfare
activities. Besides looking after this work, Sri. Mannam
wrote many articles, an autobiography, and a travel
book, criticisms and a novel, Snehalata. His
style was virile, forthright and very effective. He also
set up colleges, schools, hospitals and industrial units
for the upliftment and welfare of the Nair Community.
In appreciation of his valuable services the
President of India awarded him the title "Bharata Kesari"
(Lion of India). He was also awarded the "Padma
Bhushan" in 1966 by the Government of India. Sri Mannam
passed away on 25 February 1970.
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