Students celebrate 90th anniversary of the historic Temple Entry Proclamation

Students of Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Karamana marked the 90th anniversary of the historic Temple Entry Proclamation on Saturday by sharing copies of the document in public spaces and homes. The original proclamation was issued on November 12, 1936, by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the former king of the Travancore kingdom, during a period of active social reform. That decree opened Hindu temple doors to marginalised communities across the region and drew nationwide attention to Travancore.

Distribution

The students and teachers obtained a copy of the proclamation from the Archives department. They then handed out copies to local houses, residents' associations, shops, commercial establishments, and libraries so people could display them. The documents also reached autorickshaw passengers through local drivers. During the event, class V student Shikha and ward councillor Karamana Ajith honoured two nonagenarians living near the school: retired income tax official Gopalakrishnan and his wife Sarojam. The elderly couple received copies of the proclamation along with a ponnada.

Future Events

Head teacher Mini Y. noted that the proclamation offers important lessons at a time when marginalisation is re-emerging. Principal Bilu V.B. also attended the gathering. Parent-Teacher Association representatives announced that the anniversary kicks off a year-long series of events. These upcoming plans include a proclamation rally from East Fort to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, cultural meets featuring historians, educational trips to memorials dedicated to reformation leaders, and quiz competitions.

Context

Historical proclamations like the one issued in Travancore in 1936 played a central role in breaking down deep-rooted social barriers in pre-independence India. Public commemorations by students help keep the memory of past social reform movements alive in local communities. These anniversary events connect younger generations with the history of civil rights struggles in the region.