Sadanandan Master: 1994 Kannur attack survivor & veteran educator nominated to Rajya Sabha

Sadanandan Master

In a powerful recognition of courage, resilience, and grassroots service, C. Sadanandan Master, a veteran educator and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist from Kerala’s Kannur district, nominated to the Rajya Sabha, on Sunday said the party high command's decisions and his new responsibility are aimed at realising its core objective of "Viksit Keralam" (Developed Kerala).

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated the new position two days prior during an interaction and he learned of the nomination this morning.

Who is C. Sadanandan Master?

A senior leader of the saffron party from the politically volatile Kannur district, Sadanandan Master is a survivor of political violence. His two legs were severed during an alleged attack by CPI (M) workers in 1994. A school teacher by profession, Master has been actively engaged in various party programmes and roles for several years.

Born in a communist family, Sadanandan master was active as a member of the CPM during his college days. He had his school education at Mattannur Sivapuram Higher secondary School where former health minister K K Shailaja served as a teacher. Later he completed his pre degree course at Mattannur Pazhassi Raja NSS College and pursued his degree course at Kuthuparamba St Nary's College. After completing B Ed at a college in Guwahati he joined Kuzhikkal LP School in Kannur.

The BJP refers to him as a “living martyr” for his resilience and continued activism despite his physical condition. Over the years, he remained a visible and vocal part of the party, contesting elections from the Koothuparamba constituency in 2016 and 2021, though unsuccessfully.

Sadanandan has held several key organisational roles, including president of the National Teachers’ Union and deputy vice-president of the BJP in Kerala. He has also contributed to the party’s ideological wing as a member of the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, an RSS-affiliated think tank, and served on the editorial board of the BJP’s Kerala mouthpiece Janmabhoomi.

"Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP," the PM said in his X handle.