Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement: Founder, Philosophy, and Impact | Studento

Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement: Uplifting the Ezhava Community in Kerala

The Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement, founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1903, aimed to uplift the Ezhava community in Kerala. Guru challenged caste hierarchies by consecrating idols and promoted social reforms like access to education and government jobs. The movement led to significant social changes, advocating for equality and combating caste-based discrimination.

Founder: Sree Narayana Guru Swamy (1856-1928) among the Ezhavas of Kerala.
Background: The Ezhavas were a backward caste considered untouchables, denied education and temple entry. They constituted 26% of Kerala’s population.
Key Event: In 1888, Narayana Guru installed a stone as a Sivalinga at Aruvippuram, demonstrating that idol consecration was not the monopoly of higher castes.
Movement Formation: The Aruvippuram Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) was registered in 1903 under the *Indian Companies Act*, with Narayana Guru as the permanent chairman and Kumaran Asan as the general secretary.
Important Figures: Dr. Palpu was also crucial in initiating social justice through movements like the Ezhava Memorial and Malayali Memorial.
Philosophy: Sree Narayana Guru held all religions as the same, condemned animal sacrifice, and opposed caste, race, or creed divisiveness. He urged Ezhavas to leave toddy tapping and stop drinking liquor.
Key Issues Addressed: The SNDP Yogam worked on issues such as (i) right of admission to public schools, (ii) recruitment to government services, (iii) access to roads and temples, and (iv) political representation.
Impact: The movement led to transformative changes including upward social mobility, shifts in traditional power distribution, and a federation of ‘backward castes’ into a large conglomeration.

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