Yamunanagar (Haryana) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid glowing tribute to Chettur Sankaran Nair, a Kerala-born legal luminary and nationalist, for his courageous stand against the British Empire in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Speaking at a public rally in Yamunanagar, PM Modi said the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, which coincided with Baisakhi celebrations, was a moment to not only remember the victims but also honor lesser-known heroes like Sankaran Nair, who stood tall for truth and justice.
“The entire nation celebrated Baisakhi yesterday, but it also marked 106 years of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. We pay homage to those who lost their lives. But there’s another heroic figure whose name has been hidden in the shadows—Chettur Sankaran Nair,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting Nair’s immense contribution, Modi recalled how the former President of the Indian National Congress and a prominent member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council chose to resign in protest after the 1919 massacre, using the power of law to challenge the might of the British government.
“He could have enjoyed the luxuries of high office. But inspired by the horrors of Jallianwala Bagh, he chose to raise his voice. He was removed from his position, but he brought the British government to court. This man from Kerala fought for justice in Punjab, setting an example of unity and courage,” the Prime Minister added.
Modi urged citizens across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh to learn about Sankaran Nair and be inspired by his fearless commitment to justice and humanity.
“Every adult and child should know his name. He is a beacon of courage, and his story must be told,” Modi emphasized.
In a nod to pop culture, PM Modi also acknowledged that Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is set to portray Nair in the upcoming historical drama Kesari 2, scheduled for release on April 18.
In a recent Instagram post, Akshay Kumar paid tribute to Nair, sharing a striking black-and-white collage featuring himself in character and the real Nair. The caption read:
“The mind of the South. The might of the North. Together, we fought. Together, we rose.”
He added: “Honoured to bring to life C. Sankaran Nair–who took the British Empire to court after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Sankaran Nair didn’t fight with a weapon, he fought with the law and fire in his soul.”
The film is expected to reignite public interest in the historic figure and his indomitable legal battle against colonial injustice.