P. Gopinathan Nair July 7, 1922 – July 5, 2022
P. Gopinathan Nair July 7, 1922 – July 5, 2022
Thiruvananthapuram Eminent Gandhian and freedom fighter P. Gopinathan Nair passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram. He was 99 years old.
He breathed his last just two days before the birth centenary celebrations. He was undergoing treatment following COVID-19 health issues.
Born in Neyyattinkara on July 7, 1922, he joined the freedom struggle at an early age. A name familiar with Gandhian values in the state, he was one of the last freedom fighters to survive in the state.
Former chairman of the Kerala Mahatma Gandhi National Memorial Trust, also known as the Gandhi Memorial Fund, a trust managed by the central government, Mr. Nair participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942. A recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, among other honours, he worked with Vinoba Bhave to promote the Bhoodan and Gramdan movements. In recognition of his contribution to the society, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.
An initiator of the camp movement, a student program as part of Mahatma Gandhi’s Nirman movement, Mr. Nair was also instrumental in mediating the aftermath of the Marad massacre in 2002, when AK Antony was chief minister.
Born to M. Padmanabha Pillai and K.P. Janaki Amma, he graduated from the University College, Thiruvananthapuram after completing his schooling at Government High School, Neyyattinkara.
In his family wife L. Saraswati Amma, a retired state women welfare officer.