Kerala, Telangana share spirit of reform and social progress: Bhatti

Bhatti, who was the Chief Guest at the mass marriage of 400 couples organised by Oachira Parabrahma Temple Administration Board in Kerala on Wednesday said he was honoured to be at the temple which had been a beacon of spiritual and social enlightenment for centuries.

Lauding the temple for its tradition of hosting the group marriages for the past several years, he said it was a reflection of commitment to a more inclusive and just society. By providing economically and socially disadvantaged couples with the opportunity to marry with dignity and without the burden of financial strain, the temple and its administration demonstrated a spirit of compassion and social responsibility.

The event was attended by Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan, MP K C Venugopal and MLA Ramesh Chennithala. Bhatti recalled that Kerala’s temples like Oachira temple have historically been more than just places of worship. They have been centres of social reform, education and community building. From the times of great temple entry movements that challenged caste based discrimination to the efforts led by reformers like Sri Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankali, temples in Kerala stood at the forefront of social change.

They were the places that nurtured the ideals of equality and social justice long before such concepts were enshrined in the Constitution. Recalling that the transformative movements that swept across Kerala in late 19th and early 20th centuries were echoed in the rest of South India, Bhatti said Telangana too has a rich history of struggle and reform-from the Telangana peasant armed struggle against feudal oppression to the fight for separate State which was rooted in the desire for social justice and self respect.

These movements, much like those in Kerala, were about affirming the dignity and rights of every individual irrespective of their social or economic status, he said. “As we witnessed the 40 couples take their vows, it reminded the importance of marriage as a social institution, the foundation for families, communities and society. But more than that, today's ceremony is a celebration of values of equality, mutual respect and social justice that unite us as Indians,” he emphasised.

"It is our duty to uphold these values in every aspect of our governance, every policy we implement and every action we take," he said, congratulating the newlyweds and extended his best wishes.