From political violence to parliament: Who is Sadanandan Master, Kerala teacher who lost his legs in a brutal attack?

Dubai: Calling it a proud and humbling moment, veteran educationist and social worker C. Sadanandan Master on Sunday pledged to redouble his efforts in service of the Union government’s vision for a “Viksit Kerala” following his nomination to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India.

A respected grassroots figure with decades of service in Kerala’s education and public sectors, Master acknowledged the political challenges faced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers under the state’s ruling Left government. He vowed to be a voice for those who have long endured political violence and injustice.

“This is a proud moment because the party has shown its trust in me. That trust carries deep significance in Kerala’s political context,” he said.
“The BJP is advancing the vision of Viksit Kerala and Viksit Bharat, and I am determined to work even harder to help realise this goal.”

Referring specifically to the party cadre in Kannur, where he survived a brutal political attack in 1994, Master said: “We have witnessed many atrocities. Several karyakartas have laid down their lives for the party, and their families still suffer. It is my duty to uplift them and restore their confidence.”

C. Sadanandan Master was nominated to the Rajya Sabha alongside Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and historian Meenakshi Jain — a move seen as recognition of their excellence in public service and scholarship.

Epitome of courage

Soon after the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Master, hailing his life as an “epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice.”

“Violence and intimidation couldn’t shake his resolve toward national service,” the PM said.
“His work as a teacher and social worker is inspiring, and his dedication to youth empowerment is deeply commendable.”

Here, we take a closer look at C. Sadanandan Master’s life, his journey through adversity and what his Rajya Sabha nomination means for Kerala and the nation.

Who is Sadanandan Master?
Sadanandan, popularly known as "Master" or "Maash", is a high school teacher from Thrissur district, Kerala. He has taught social science at Sree Durga Vilasam Higher Secondary School in Peramangalam since 1999 and is widely known for surviving a brutal political attack in 1994.

Why is he in the news now?
On July 12 President Droupadi Murmu nominated Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha in recognition of his long-standing commitment to education, public service and his resilience in the face of political violence.

What happened to him in 1994?
On January 25, 1994, at the age of 30, Sadanandan was ambushed near his home in Kannur by alleged CPI(M) activists. In a brutal act of political violence, both his legs were severed as a warning for switching political allegiances. Despite the traumatic attack, he returned to teaching just five years later.

What is his educational background?
Sadanandan holds a B.Com degree from Gauhati University and a B.Ed from Calicut University. Besides teaching, he is the vice-president of the National Teachers Union in Kerala and editor of its magazine, Deshiya Adhyapaka Vartha. He is also associated with the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, an RSS-affiliated think tank.

What are his political views?
Originally sympathetic to communist ideology in his youth, Sadanandan shifted towards the RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s, influenced by the writings of poet Akkitham and the RSS’s philosophy of cultural nationalism. He has since contested assembly elections from Koothuparamba in 2016 and 2021.

What causes has he spoken out about?
Sadanandan has consistently spoken against political violence, especially in regions like Kannur. He advocates for peace and dialogue in politically sensitive areas and promotes values rooted in education and nationalism.

What does his Rajya Sabha nomination represent?
His nomination is seen as a recognition of grassroots voices, educators, and survivors of political trauma. It reflects the government’s intention to bring diverse, real-world experiences into the Upper House.

What about his personal life?
He is married to Vanitha Rani, a fellow teacher. Their daughter, Yamuna Bharati, is pursuing a BTech degree and is active in student politics through the ABVP. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) translates to All India Students Council. It is a student organisation in India, established in 1949, and is known as one of the world’s largest student organizations. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The family remains engaged in both academic and social service spheres in Kerala.