Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan community and the only tribal king in Kerala, will participate in the Republic Day parade in Delhi.
According to officials, the king and his wife will join the event as guests of the Scheduled Tribes (SC) Development department. Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes O.R. Kelu handed over the invitation letter to the king. According to officials, this will be the first time a tribal king will attend the Republic Day parade in Delhi. The SC Development department will meet the travel expenses of Mr. Rajamannan and his wife, Binumol.
During the visit, Mr. Rajamannan and Ms. Binumol will meet the President and other prominent leaders. He will also visit Agra and other historically important places in the capital. They will be returning to Kerala on February 2.
According to officials, the Union government demanded the participation of persons from the tribal community of the State for the Republic Day parade. The SC Development department then decided to send the king and his wife as representatives of the community. “The government’s decision is an honour to the Mannan community,” said the official.
On Tuesday, Mr. Rajamannan and Ms. Binumol visited the State Assembly, and was received by Mr. Kelu. Devikulam MLA A. Raja accompanied them.
The Mannan community is mainly settled in the buffer zone area of the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary at Kozhimala, the hub of the tribe with 48 settlements ruled by a king, the only such community in southern India.
The King is an integral part of the traditional functions and festivities of the community. He will wear a turban or headgear and special dress on such occasions and will be assisted by two Ministers and soldiers during the functions.
