Vellappally Natesan Receives Padma Bhushan, Attributes Honor to Speaking Social Truths
SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan has humbly expressed his gratitude for being honored with the Padma Bhushan by the nation. He dedicated this significant recognition to the revered Sree Narayana Gurudev. Natesan received the news while on stage after presiding over the Gurukshethra dedication ceremony at the Sree Sharada Shatabdi Smaraka Branch No. 6023, Eerezhu South, within the Mavelikara Union of SNDP Yogam in Alappuzha.
Upon learning of the award, Natesan became visibly emotional, his eyes welling up. “I have not lobbied anyone for this award. The unwavering support from the common people is my true strength. I interpret this honor as an acknowledgment for my steadfast commitment to openly and candidly articulating social realities,” Vellappally Natesan stated. He further added that he felt immense joy at the central government’s consideration, especially as he has always discouraged individuals from actively pursuing such accolades.
Vellappally Natesan has served at the helm of both the SNDP Yogam and the SN Trust for an impressive 30 years. During his leadership, he transformed the organization’s existing three-tier system into a more expansive five-tier structure. He was instrumental in establishing new microfinance and family units, significantly broadening their outreach. Under his guidance, the number of educational institutions grew from 45 to over a hundred, and the unions expanded from 58 to 140. With over seven thousand branches, Natesan has also been pivotal in fostering the organization’s growth on a global scale.