Homage to Salim Kumar

 Probodha Trust, Kochi, Pays Homage to Dalit Activist and Critical Thinker K.M. Salim Kumar  

Probodha Trust, Kochi, organized a heartfelt gathering on 5th July 2025 (online meeting) to pay tribute to the late Dalit activist and critical thinker K.M. Salim Kumar. The event commenced with a welcome note  delivered by the Secretary of Prabhodha Trust, Sri Naveen Kumar, who highlighted the close association between Salim Kumar and the Trust over the past four years. He emphasized that Salim Kumar was a true humanist who consistently rejected sectarian divisions through his speeches and writings.  

Prof. Rathi Menon, a retired professor of Malayalam, shared her personal and deeply interactive relationship with Salim Kumar during their college days at Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. Speaking in a sentimental and thought-provoking manner, she also recalled her connections with his family members.  

Senior journalist Sri. N. Madhavan Kutty remarked that Salim Kumar’s demise was a significant loss to the intellectual landscape of modern Kerala. He described him as a man of a new kind—one who never viewed people from rival groups or opposing philosophies with suspicion. Firm in his principles, Salim Kumar honestly bridged the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, leaving behind a legacy of inclusivity and intellectual rigour.  

Other speakers, including Dr. Usha Kiran, Sri.  M.K. Shashidharan, and Sri. P.N. Surendran, also paid heartfelt tributes to the late activist. The session was concluded by moderator N. Madhavan Kutty, who reiterated the profound impact of Salim Kumar’s work.  

Probodha Trust announced that it would organize more programs in the coming days to honour and cherish the memory of K.M. Salim Kumar. The event was coordinated by Prof. Vinod Kumar Kallolickal, ensuring a meaningful and reflective tribute.