SPEECH FOR DR B R SHETTY- Book Launch

Dr B R Shetty
MD & CEO

774words

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening!

I consider this as a rare privilege, today, to share the stage with two eminent Indian personalities - His Highness Sree Padmanabha Dasa Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma and the former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam – both whose works and ways of life, we really admire and respect.
It gives me great pleasure to be here in Pattom Palace, Thiruvanthapuram for the release of this beautiful book ‘Travancore: the Footprints of Destiny’, an autobiography of His Highness.
Undoubtedly, this book is a timeless classic and a treasure trove of information.
My association with His Highness dates back to 1997, when I got the unique opportunity to meet him. I thank the Almighty for giving me that chance. From then on, I have been fortunate to meet him almost every year and seek his blessings.
His Highness is a man of the masses and the people of the state have been blessed by his benevolence. Be it through the educational institutions or hospitals or charitable organizations that has been set up during their time as rulers. I would not have met a person who is more humble and knowledgeable than he is and truly he is a living encyclopedia.
No words can actually express my gratitude to His Highness, who has been a constant source of inspiration for me over the years. Each meeting with you has been a learning experience for me. An enriching experience that I cherish and look forward to…
Your words and deeds have guided me in my life!
I, therefore, am very happy to be a part of this unveiling ceremony. It is heartening to see that at the age of 88, you have painstakingly and meticulously taken the efforts and spared your time to bring out this excellent book.
Many articles have been written in the past about the glories of Travancore as a Princely State. But this book is significant as it relives the story of Travancore through the eyes of a person who has seen it all…who has witnessed history from very close quarters especially during the times of his elder brother - His Highness Sree Chithira Tirunal’s rule as the King of Travancore.
The autobiography, records all the major events of erstwhile Travancore State, which gives you rare insights into the Royal Family’s engagement with the contemporaries and the common man. It is the first-hand account of the ‘Times, Trials and Triumphs’ of Travancore during the pre and post- Independence era.
• The story of the book compiled in 11 chapters give you a comprehensive account of Travancore’s history spanning 300 years. It traces the evolution of Travancore.
• This book has many priceless photographs, which captures the life and times of Travancore. Many of which have been shot by His Highness himself.
• It is also a testimony to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through detailed descriptions of the state’s festivals, rites and rituals, life and religion inside the palace.

• Humility was and has been the hallmark of the Travancore Royalty. The rulers have taken pride in being Padmanabha Dasa or servants of the Lord Padmanabha. This is also evident in the way Travancore transformed itself from a princely state and in the smooth transition of power to the people.
The rulers of the Kingdom of Travancore have always been ardent patrons of art, music and literature. Thanks to their patronage, our rich Indian Legacy of classical music; dance forms like Mohiniattam and Kathakali; marital arts are still alive.
I express my sincere gratitude to His Highness, who is among the greatest patrons of art. We can enjoy the gifts of a great heritage today and the credit for this goes to you and the members of the Royal Family, who have helped to create awareness and cultivate a love for India’s culture and heritage in the minds of people across the world.
His benevolence will go a long way in keeping our rich traditions alive so that it could be safely handed over to our coming generations.
It is for the same reasons that NMC Group brings renowned Indian artists to the Middle East every year to perform to enthusiastic audiences.
I express my appreciation to all the members of the Royal Family who are present here.
I, once again, wish the Maharajah of Travancore the very best in life. I also wish that the Book achieves great success and popularity. Let it be read and re-read through generations. Let the great Indian Cutural Legacy be immortalized in the pages of this lovely book.
I pray that the Almighty bless you and family with good health and happiness today and in the years to come.
With these words, I conclude and would like to wish all of you present here a peaceful and progressive New Year as well.
Thank You