Published Jan 26, 2026 | 2:30 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 26, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Vellapplly Natesan with NSS chief Sukumaran Nair.
Synopsis: While ruling out organisational unity with the SNDP, the NSS emphasised that it seeks cordial and harmonious relations with the SNDP just as it does with all other community organisations. The decision, the press release said, is not one of hostility but of realism. With this declaration, yet another chapter in the chequered history of NSS–SNDP unity efforts draws to a close.
The long-discussed move towards a possible unity between the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham (SNDP) has once again run aground.
The NSS Board of Directors, which met on Monday, 26 January, has formally decided to withdraw from any further attempts at NSS–SNDP unity, assessing that such an initiative is neither practical nor sustainable in the current political climate.
In a press release issued after the meeting, the NSS made it clear that past experiences and present circumstances point to the same conclusion: unity efforts between the two organisations have repeatedly failed due to a range of political and organisational factors, and there is little indication that the outcome would be different this time.
The Board noted that the prevailing political situation itself suggests that another unity initiative would inevitably collapse. More importantly, the NSS stressed that it cannot compromise or deviate from its foundational principles in the name of unity.
Maintaining its core values remains non-negotiable, the statement underlined.
While ruling out organisational unity with the SNDP, the NSS emphasised that it seeks cordial and harmonious relations with the SNDP just as it does with all other community organisations.
The decision, the press release said, is not one of hostility but of realism. With this declaration, yet another chapter in the chequered history of NSS–SNDP unity efforts draws to a close.
NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair on Monday said the organisation decided to withdraw from the proposed unity talks with the SNDP Yogam after realising that there were clear political motives behind the initiative.
While reiterating that unity between two major Hindu organisations was, in principle, a positive idea, Sukumaran Nair said doubts began to surface once the political undertones became evident.
“Initially, I too believed that such unity was necessary. But later, it became clear that there was a political agenda behind those who proposed it,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair pointed out that SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan’s suggestion that his son, Thushar Vellappally, hold talks with the NSS further deepened the suspicion.
“Thushar Vellappally is a leader of the NDA. When you talk about unity, why send your son who represents a political front?,” he remarked, underlining that NSS would not compromise on its core principle of maintaining equal distance from all political forces.
He said Thushar Vellappally had already been informed that he need not come for discussions.
“Even if Vellappally Natesan himself had come, we would have clearly stated our position,” Sukumaran Nair added.
Clarifying reports of differences within the NSS leadership, Sukumaran Nair said the decision to withdraw from the unity effort was taken unanimously by the NSS Board of Directors.
“There is absolutely no rift. I myself presented the resolution,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair also welcomed the Padma Bhushan awarded to Vellapally Natesan calling it a “good thing”.
Meanwhile, Vellappally Natesan said he learned about the NSS withdrawal through media reports and would respond after understanding the matter fully.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
