Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar has praised the life and work of P. Madhavji, stating that he taught the profound lesson that “the entire society is one.” The Governor was speaking at the inauguration of the P. Madhavji Centenary Celebrations, on June 14, held at Thanthravidya Peetam in Aluva, near Kochi — an institution founded by Madhavji to train young boys in temple rituals and pooja.
Governor Arlekkar underlined that Madhavji’s teachings transcended caste and creed, promoting unity within society. He emphasised that Madhavji not only opposed caste discrimination but also exemplified it in his own life, spreading the message that Hindus are one community, free from internal divisions.
Governor Arlekkar further elaborated that Sanatana Dharma, as espoused by Madhavji, is an ancient, infinite tradition rooted in patriotism and equality. Unlike other religions with their own prophets, Sanatana Dharma recognises no single prophet, embracing all people regardless of their background. “All colours represent our culture, not only white or green. Country, samskriti and history are one. Even though the people of south, north and northeast may differ in physique and complexion, Sanatana Dharma treats all alike. Our culture recognises no discrimination,” he stated.
Hon'ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of Swargeeya Madhavji, the revered founder of Thanthra Vidyapeedhom, at Aluva. pic.twitter.com/Y2RKaAGJVo
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 14, 2025
Drawing a sharp contrast, Governor Arlekkar noted: “One cannot obtain US citizenship without acknowledging Abraham Lincoln and George Washington as national leaders. But in Bharat, one becomes a citizen even without accepting our national leaders, culture, and tradition.”
Governor Arlekkar also commended the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its inspired organisations in Kerala, stating that many great personalities emerged from this tradition. Among them, Bhaskar Rao, R. Hari, P. Parameshwar, and of course, P. Madhav, who dedicated their lives to the service of Bharatmata.
The Life and Legacy of P. Madhavji
P. Madhav was born in Kozhikode in 1926. After completing his BSc in Chemistry from Madras University, where he won a gold medal, he was one of the first four Sangh Pracharaks from Kerala to dedicate their lives to the service of Bharatmata in 1946. He was among the earliest swayamsevaks when Swargiya Dattopanth Thengadi established the first Sangh Shakha in Kozhikode, Malabar in 1942. Until 1946, Pracharaks from Nagpur and other parts of northern Bharat had spearheaded Sangh activities in Kerala; thereafter, Madhavji became a pioneer in taking this responsibility forward within the state.
Throughout his lifetime, Madhav held numerous key responsibilities within the Sangh and its inspired organisations like Zilla Pracharak, Vibhag Pracharak, Pranth Boudhik Pramukh and Pranth Prabhari for Bharatiya Jan Sangh, BMS, ABVP, Bharatiya Matsya Pravarthaka Sangham, Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram.
During the 1948 ban on the RSS, Madhav, along with Kerala Pranth Pracharak Swarg. Bhaskar Rao and senior Pracharak Swarg. R. Venugopal, ran the underground movement. Later, during the Emergency (1975–1977), Swarg. Ranga Hariji described Madhavji as the “undeclared” Pranth Pracharak, working under Bhaskar Rao.
One of Madhav’s most important achievements was the Paliyam Proclamation (Paliyam Vilambaram) of 26 August 1987, endorsed by the foremost thanthra pramukhs (experts in temple rituals). It declared that any practising Hindu, regardless of caste or creed, could study and perform temple rituals and pooja, affirming that one becomes a Brahmin by karma (practice), not by birth.
In 1972, Madhav established Thanthra Vidya Peetam at Pattambi, Palakkad, which was later shifted to its present location in Aluva. The institution continues to impart knowledge of temple rituals to young boys from all backgrounds. He also authored Kshethra Chaithanya Rahasyam, considered one of the most authoritative works on temple science and rituals.
Madhavji played a vital role in several key movements:
In 1962, he was instrumental in the initial phases of constructing the Vivekananda Memorial Rock at Kanyakumari, alongside Swarg. Eknath Ranade.
In 1968, he led the Thali Kshethra Agitation to reconstruct a Shiva temple in Malappuram district, destroyed during Tipu Sultan’s invasion. The agitation eventually compelled the CPM-led EMS Namboothirippad government to yield to the devotees’ demands.
In 1971, his Malayalam translation of Bunch of Thoughts (Vicharadhara), compiling the speeches of Swarg. Guruji Golwalkar, was published.
In 1977, he transformed Malabar Pradesh Kshethra Samrakshana Samiti (founded by Swarg. Kelappaji in 1967) into Kerala Kshethra Samrakshana Samiti, which remains a leading Sangh-inspired organisation today.
In 1982, he co-organised the Vishala Hindu Sammelan in Kochi, alongside Bhaskar Rao, Swarg. P. Parameshwar, and Swarg. R. Hari.
In 1983, Madhavji played a crucial role in the Nilakkal agitation at Sabarimala, successfully opposing Church efforts to take control of temple land by attempting to install a cross.
Madhav breathed his last in 1988, leaving behind a rich legacy of tireless service to Dharma and society.
Celebrations and Honours:
The centenary function was chaired by Ameda Vasudevan Namboothiri, President of Thanthra Vidya Peetam. Governor Arlekkar presented the Madhaveeyam Puraskar to Kummanam Rajasekharan, former Governor of Mizoram. Senior RSS functionaries S. Sethumadhavan, V.K. Vishwanathan, and other office-bearers paid floral tributes at Madhavji’s samadhisthal prior to the function.
RSS Uttar Kerala Pranth Karyavah P.N. Easwaran, Thanthra Vidya Peetam Working President Mullappalli Krishnan Namboothiri, and Secretary M.P. Subramanya Sharma also addressed the gathering.
