The Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement, founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1903, aimed to uplift the Ezhava community in Kerala.

The Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement of 1903 played a pivotal role in challenging caste hierarchies and promoting social reform in Kerala. Founded by Sree Narayana Guru, the movement uplifted the Ezhava community, advocated for education, government jobs, and equality. This topic is essential for students studying social reform movements and caste-based transformations in modern Indian history.

Sree Narayana Guru SNDP Movement: Social Reform in Kerala

• The SNDP Movement was instrumental in promoting social equality and reform among the Ezhavas of Kerala.

  It addressed caste oppression, empowered marginalized communities, and advocated for access to education and government opportunities.

  • (i) Founded by Sree Narayana Guru in 1903 to uplift the Ezhava community.
  • (ii) Challenged caste hierarchies by consecrating idols and promoting social reforms.
  • (iii) Advocated for equality, education, temple access, and political representation.

• Founder and Background of SNDP Movement

  The movement was initiated to address the backwardness and social exclusion of the Ezhavas.

  • Founder

    • (i) Sree Narayana Guru Swamy (1856–1928) was the spiritual and social leader of the Ezhavas in Kerala.

  • Background of the Ezhavas

    • (i) Considered a backward caste and untouchables.
    • (ii) Denied access to education and temple entry.
    • (iii) Made up approximately 26% of Kerala’s population.

• Key Events and Formation of SNDP

  Significant events marked the rise of the SNDP Movement, emphasizing equality and social reform.

  • Key Event: Aruvippuram Sivalinga Installation

    • (i) In 1888, Narayana Guru installed a stone as a Sivalinga at Aruvippuram.
    • (ii) Demonstrated that idol consecration was not exclusive to higher castes.

  • Movement Formation and Registration

    • (i) The Aruvippuram Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) was registered in 1903 under the Indian Companies Act.
    • (ii) Narayana Guru as permanent chairman and Kumaran Asan as general secretary.

• Important Figures and Philosophy of SNDP

  The movement drew support from reformers and focused on inclusive social philosophy.

  • Important Figures

    • (i) Dr. Palpu supported social justice through initiatives like the Ezhava Memorial and Malayali Memorial.

  • Philosophy

    • (i) All religions considered equal, opposed caste, race, or creed-based divisiveness.
    • (ii) Condemned animal sacrifice, encouraged Ezhavas to abandon toddy tapping and liquor consumption.

• Key Issues Addressed and Impact of SNDP

  The SNDP Movement worked on social, educational, and political empowerment of marginalized communities.

  • Key Issues Addressed

    • (i) Admission to public schools.
    • (ii) Recruitment to government services.
    • (iii) Access to roads and temples.
    • (iv) Political representation.

  • Impact

    • (i) Facilitated upward social mobility.
    • (ii) Altered traditional power distribution.
    • (iii) United backward castes into a larger federation.

• Summary of SNDP Movement

  The Sree Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Movement of 1903 was a landmark reform effort in Kerala. By challenging caste hierarchies and promoting social equality, it transformed the lives of the Ezhavas and other marginalized communities. This movement is crucial for students studying modern Indian social reform, caste dynamics, and community empowerment.