President Droupadi Murmu has nominated C. Sadanandan Master a victim of brutal CPI(M) violence and a tireless nationalist to the Rajya Sabha on Sunday. His nomination is not just an individual honor, but a tribute to all those who have borne the brunt of ideological violence in Kerala and across the country. Once left bleeding and maimed by Communist cadres in Kannur, Sadanandan Master now walks into the Parliament of India as a symbol of unwavering conviction, resilience, and nationalist resistance. The BJP has rightly hailed this as a tribute to sacrifice, service, and strength.
From Victimhood to the Upper House: A Nationalist Triumph
The elevation of C. Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha marks a remarkable political and moral victory for nationalist forces who have long suffered under the shadow of ideological violence. A teacher, a committed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteer, and a victim of one of Kerala’s most horrifying political attacks, Sadanandan Master’s nomination stands as a direct response to decades of bloodshed in Kannur an area infamous for its violent political feuds.
On January 25, 1994, while on his way to distribute wedding invitations for his sister, Sadanandan Master was ambushed by a gang allegedly associated with the CPI(M). He was dragged from his vehicle and, in an unspeakably brutal act, had both legs chopped off. His attackers even rubbed his severed limbs on the asphalt to ensure doctors could not reattach them. This gruesome attack did not silence him; instead, it made his resolve stronger.
Today, that same man once left to die on a roadside in Perinchery is being honoured with a seat in the Rajya Sabha. His ascent to the Upper House is not only a personal victory but also a larger recognition of the RSS cadres who have withstood ideological terrorism in pursuit of their beliefs.
Sadanandan Master: A Life of Courage, Conviction, and Service
Born into a Communist family, Sadanandan Master was once himself aligned with the CPI(M) during his college years. He studied at Mattannur Sivapuram Higher Secondary School, where former health minister K.K. Shailaja was among the faculty. Later, he pursued higher education at Pazhassi Raja NSS College and St. Mary’s College in Kuthuparamba, eventually completing his B.Ed. from Guwahati.
However, ideological differences with CPI(M) leaders led him to gravitate toward the RSS. Despite the risk, he and a few friends established an RSS shakha in Mattannur then a CPI(M) stronghold. His dedication to nationalist ideology and his intellectual leadership led to his appointment as Baudhik Pramukh (intellectual head) of RSS in Kannur.
The 1994 attack changed his life forever, but it didn’t break his spirit. After his recovery, aided by prosthetic legs, he returned to teaching. He began his career at Kuzhikkal LP School but later moved to Sri Durgavilasam Higher Secondary School in Thrissur with support from the RSS. There, he served as a Social Science teacher for 25 years, retiring in 2020.
Despite physical hardship, he remained devoted to his ideals. A soft-spoken, calm individual with a pleasant demeanor, Sadanandan Master is a man of grit beneath the smile. His journey from a small-town teacher to a nominated MP is nothing short of inspirational.
National Honour and Recognition for Sacrifice
Hailing his nomination, BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santhosh described Sadanandan Master as “a symbol of nationalist resistance to inhuman Communist ideology.” He added, “It’s a day of joy and solace to lakhs of nationalists who faced loss of livelihood and limbs, living lives of hardship yet never giving up their ideology.”
In response, Sadanandan Master said, “I accept the mission the party has bestowed in me with humility. I will strive hard to realise the dream of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Keralam upheld by the party.” His words reflect not just gratitude, but a sense of duty toward a cause larger than himself.
His wife, Vanitha Rani, is also a teacher, and their daughter, Yamuna Bharati, is pursuing B.Tech. Together, the family has withstood pain and isolation, standing tall with dignity.
A Distinguished List of Nominees to the Rajya Sabha
Alongside Sadanandan Master, President Droupadi Murmu has nominated three other eminent individuals to the Rajya Sabha: Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, the celebrated lawyer who served as the government counsel in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack case; Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary and G20 Chief Coordinator; and Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a respected historian and academic who has contributed immensely to revisiting Indian history from a civilisational perspective.
This distinguished list represents excellence across law, diplomacy, academia, and social service. But the inclusion of Sadanandan Master is particularly significant—it’s a reminder that moral courage is as valuable as academic and professional achievement.
A Testament to Resilience and the Triumph of Ideals
The nomination of Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha is more than a political gesture; it is a moral statement. It tells the world that India does not forget those who suffer for their convictions. That in the land of Dharma, resilience, sacrifice, and loyalty to ideology will eventually be recognized and honored.
From the bloodstained streets of Kannur to the hallowed halls of Parliament, Sadanandan Master’s journey embodies India’s spirit of standing tall in the face of brutality, of never backing down from truth, and of rising again for the sake of Bharat. His story is not just of personal triumph, but of ideological vindication and national pride.