SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has stated that the 1921 Moplah Rebellion (Muslim Rebellion or Malabar Rebellion) was the reason behind Sree Narayana Guru’s decision to convene the historic All-Religion Conference in 1924 in Kerala. According to him, Guru was deeply disturbed after learning that large-scale atrocities against Hindus, including forced conversions and assaults on women, were taking place during the rebellion. To ascertain the truth, Guru sent Kerala’s great poet Kumaranasan to Malabar, where he personally visited the affected regions, observed the situation, and later reported his findings to the Guru.
Natesan explained that it was this grave situation which prompted Sree Narayana Guru to call the All-Religion Conference at Aluva Manappuram in 1924, delivering the powerful message that all religions are one. He said attempts are being made to portray the Malabar Rebellion as a freedom struggle, but this interpretation is unacceptable. Natesan added that he would not speak further on the subject.
He made these remarks while presiding over the inauguration of the Sree Narayanaeeyam Convention Center constructed by the SNDP Yogam’s Peringammala branch. His comments came shortly after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who attended the function, left the venue following his inaugural address.
In his speech, Natesan posed a sharp question: “Do the followers of those who taught to love one’s neighbour as oneself practise it today? Do the followers of the Prophet follow his words sincerely?” He remarked that while all religious philosophies are noble in principle, in practice they often function like “private limited companies,” pursuing only their own gains.
Highlighting Guru’s vision, he said: “Sree Narayana Guru proclaimed that all darshans are one. That is why he convened the All-Religion Conference
at Aluva Manappuram, to spread the message of religious unity. But what was the reason behind it? It was the Moplah riots.”
Calling the rebellion “a great tragedy,” Natesan reiterated that members of the Muslim community had committed atrocities, including rape and forced conversions. “Hearing about these events, Guru sent Kumaranasan to witness the situation firsthand. Kumaranasan returned and informed him of the horrors taking place. The Guru’s anguish over these developments was the driving force behind All-Religion Conference,” he said.
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