A Magna Carta of Religious Freedom
by His
Excellency V.Rachaiya
(Presidential address of His Excellency V.Rachaiya,
Governor of Kerala delivered at Kanakakkunnu Palace on
25.10.1992)
It gives me immense pleasure to be present here today to attend the Sree Chittlira Thirunal Memorial Lecture by our beloved Vice- President Mr. K.R.Narayanan.
Sree Chittlira Thirunal, as you all know all know was a noble model of humility, simplicity, piety and total dedication to the welfare of the people. In the late 19th and early 20 th century when many native rulers were callously squandering the resources Of their, states, this young Maharaja was able to shine like a solitary star in the firmament, with his royal dignity, transparent sincerity, commendable intelligence and a strong sense of duty.
To the profound happiness and joy of the whole country, the Maharaja promulgated the Temple Entry proclamation which is now looked upon as a 'Magna Carta' of religious freedom to the Hindus as a whole. This epoch- making declaration was the first of Its kind in India and appropriately did Mahatmaji hail this as an "Epic of Travancore". This silent, bloodless revolution was a harbinger of many social changes in the State.
If today Kerala stands in the forefront in the matter of literacy and education, this magnificent achievement is in no small measure due to the generous and farsighted policy followed by the Government of Sree Chithira Thirunal. The Travancore University established by him was ranked as one among the best in India in educational excellence. It was during his reign that many colleges including professional colleges in Medicine, Engineering and Agriculture were established. For the first' time in India a democratically elected constituent assembly based on adult franchise was constituted. Sree ChithiraThirunal Hospital, Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital, Sree Chithira House for the poor etc. are standing monuments of his outstanding contributions to the state.
Starting of the first Hydro Electric Project at Pallivasal owes its origin to the personal initiative and direct inspiratiof'r of the Maharaja. It was during his reign that the major industries which form the backbone of the Kerala's industrial structure were started. He also devoted his attention to irrigation, especially in South Travancore area where water scarcity was a common occurrence. The modernisation of Thiruvananthapuram by the construction of broader roads and provision of better amenities of life were some of the striking features of his reign.
Sree Chithira Thirunal was an enlightened Maharaja who won the love, respect and admiration of his people through his sincere and dedicated service to the State. The• sentimental attachment he maintained with the people was unique~ In fact he was a great son of Kerala who left indelible impressions in the m'inds of the people, as their welfare was uppermost in his mind throughout his life. Generations will remember with gratitude the services rendered by this great ruler who has left footprints on the sands of time.
