Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said the spirit of reform and social progress that one witnesses in Kerala resonates deeply with the values holding dear in Telangana as well. 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.
