Real spirit of renaissance is braveness to query orthodoxy, says Karassery

“The actual spirit of renaissance is the braveness to query orthodoxy and embrace humanity past caste, creed, and gender. Kerala’s progress was constructed on motive, reform, and coexistence — values we should now defend greater than ever,” famous creator and social thinker M.N. Karassery stated whereas delivering the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture right here on Friday. 

Prof. Karassery described Kerala renaissance as a far-reaching social transformation grounded in rational humanism, secularism, and the empowerment of marginalised communities together with Dalits, Muslims, and ladies. He stated its best achievement lay within the non-violent dismantling of caste boundaries, enlargement of training, and the democratic building of an egalitarian society. 

The occasion was organised by the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial and Research Centre (VMMRC) as a part of the observance of Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Day. Senior journalist M.G. Radhakrishnan chaired the session. 

Prof. Karassery emphasised that Kerala’s progress emerged from the mixed efforts of reformers, intellectuals, caste associations, and political actions that superior coexistence and common human values. Rejecting sectarian interpretations of historical past, he upheld a plural and inclusive imaginative and prescient of the renaissance formed by reformers comparable to Sree Narayana Guru and Vakkom Moulavi, whose shared dedication to social reform and rational thought redefined Kerala’s ethical panorama. He additionally cautioned towards the resurgence of communalism and non secular orthodoxy, which he stated threatened the state’s secular ethos.