pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-sankaran-nair-for-jallianwala-stand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Kerala-born lawyer C Sankaran Nair, lauding him for his courageous stand against the British Empire following the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. 

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for an 800-MW ‘ultra-supercritical’ thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, the prime minister urged citizens to learn about Nair’s remarkable contributions. Modi's remarks come just ahead of the release of Kesari-2, a film based on Nair’s life, slated for later this month.

Towards the conclusion of his speech, the prime minister recalled the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre and emphasised that beyond the horrific killings, there was a lesser-known story of moral courage and patriotism. 

 

He pointed to the powerful role played by C Sankaran Nair, saying that while his name is not widely recognized, it deserves to be remembered for the impact it had on the freedom struggle.

Modi noted that Nair, a renowned lawyer, held a high-ranking position in the British administration at the time. He could have chosen a life of comfort and privilege, but he was deeply disturbed by the massacre. Moved by the tragedy, Nair took a bold stand and resigned from his post, choosing instead to fight for justice. 

Though he hailed from Kerala and the massacre occurred in Punjab, Nair decided to legally challenge the British authorities over the killings, shaking the very foundations of colonial rule in India.

PM Modi -

"If Congress is truly concerned about Muslims, then their party President must be a Muslim.

Give them 50% of your tickets.

Don’t just exploit them for votes.

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The prime minister highlighted that Nair’s legal challenge was not just a matter of protesting injustice, but also a powerful example of unity in diversity—an embodiment of 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat'. Modi called on young people, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, to learn about Nair’s role in the freedom movement and draw inspiration from his actions.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on hundreds of peaceful protestors who had gathered to oppose the Rowlatt Act, which gave sweeping powers to the colonial government. 

Nair, who was serving as a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council at the time, resigned in protest, marking a significant moment of defiance against British rule.

 

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