Bengal Governor Accuses NSS of Blocking Tribute at Mannam Samadhi, Plans Delhi Memorial

Overview

• West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose claimed he was not allowed to offer flowers at NSS founder Mannathu Padmanabhan’s samadhi during a visit before taking office in 2022.
• He raised the allegation at a Mannam Jayanti event in New Delhi, questioning whether access to the samadhi was controlled by an individual and referring to local leaders as gatekeepers.
• NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair rejected the claim, saying no denial occurred when Bose visited the Perunna headquarters.
• Former NSS education secretary M. R. Unni said he was present that day and alleged tributes were restricted to specific observance days, with exceptions granted to favoured individuals.
• Bose announced a plan for a Mannam memorial in New Delhi and pledged one month of his official salary to start the project.