A remarkable tribute to one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders, the tallest statue of Swami Vivekananda in Kerala has been installed at Mayannur Karnikaram near Ottapalam in Palakkad district. This concrete statue, crafted with dedication over more than five months by the celebrated sculptor Surendra Krishnan, stands a monumental 10 feet tall. With its specially designed stand, the statue reaches an impressive height of 13 feet, making it the grandest representation of Swami Vivekananda in the state. The statue was crafted at Surendra Krishnan’s home workshop in Maruthur Anjaneyam and was installed at Karnikaram as part of the upcoming inauguration of a special village initiative under the Nila Seva Samiti a notable milestone for the local community.
Sculptor Surendra Krishnan: Crafting Kerala’s Cultural Icons
Surendra Krishnan is a veteran sculptor whose artwork is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural and historical narrative. His fame stems from his craftsmanship of iconic sculptures, including the gigantic statue of Naranathu Branthan on the Naduvattam Rariyanalloor hill, which has attracted much admiration. Beyond his spiritual works, Krishnan has also created numerous statues of Mahatma Gandhi that adorn various parts of Kerala, symbolizing peace and freedom. His artistic range further encompasses local heritage, exemplified by the noted tusker Guruvayoor Keshavan statue at Karnikaram, which is a rehabilitation center for differently-abled individuals run by Ottapalam Mayannur Thanal an institution closely linked to his work. Additionally, his craftsmanship extends to creative pieces such as the Kaliamardanam scene at Balashramam and the beloved cartoon character Luttappi, popular among children. Krishnan’s talent has been nurtured since childhood, and his works stand as a testament to his lifelong devotion to sculpture. Alongside his artistic journey, he is a family man married to Anitha, with children Sariga S Krishnan and Sharan S Krishnan, who support and inspire his creative endeavors.
Karnikaram and Nila Seva Samiti: A Beacon of Social Welfare
The Karnikaram rehabilitation center at Mayannur is operated by the Nila Seva Samiti, a charitable organization established in 2001 with a mission to uplift underprivileged children and their families through education, self-esteem programs, and holistic care. Key initiatives include Thanal Sisumandiram, dedicated to the upliftment of infants, and Thanal Balasramam, which houses more than 60 orphans, providing them with shelter, education, and a nurturing environment. These efforts embody the spirit of social service and community development in Kerala. Mayannur Karnikaram, located near the picturesque Mayannur Bridge spanning the Nila (Bharathapuzha) River, is not only a site of natural beauty but also a cultural landmark reaffirming Kerala’s commitment to heritage preservation and social rehabilitation. The inauguration of the Karnikaram special village by the Kerala Governor on December 24 will further enhance the significance of this location as a center for charitable activities and community empowerment.
Visitor Insights and Cultural Significance
For visitors and devotees alike, the Swami Vivekananda statue at Mayannur Karnikaram offers both spiritual inspiration and a deep connection to Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry. Standing tall and peaceful, the statue serves as a reminder of Vivekananda’s teachings on strength, individual empowerment, and service to humanity messages that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Nila Seva Samiti and Karnikaram’s rehabilitation mission. As an emerging attraction, the site invites travelers interested in Kerala’s art, culture, and spiritual heritage to explore the serene surroundings along the Nila River, take part in community events, and witness the fusion of artistic excellence and social welfare that defines this special village and its landmark statue.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/12/04/swami-vivekananda-statue-kerala.html