In the grand tapestry of Ayodhya’s historic Ram Temple saga, there exists a hero in the shadows—a guardian angel of justice whose name resonates less, but whose contributions echo loud. Meet Shri. KK Nair (Kadangalathil Karunakaran Nair), an unsung stalwart of the Indian Civil Service, whose courageous journey paved the way for Ayodhya’s redemption.
Born on September 11, 1907, in the serene village of Kuttanad, Kerala, KK Nair’s story is one of resilience and quiet heroism. A member of the 1930 batch of the Indian Civil Service, Nair’s journey began with a higher education stint in England, conquering the civil services exam at a mere 21. His tenure as the Deputy Commissioner cum District Magistrate of Faizabad District from June 1, 1949, to March 14, 1950, marked a chapter that history often forgets.
The legal odyssey of Ayodhya embarked in 1885, with Mahant Raghubir Das seeking permission to construct a canopy outside the disputed structure. Fast forward to the turbulent post-independence era, KK Nair found himself in the eye of the storm.
In response to the State Government’s direction, Nair submitted a groundbreaking report, championed by Guru Dutt Singh’s assessment, advocating for the construction of a grand temple at the Ramjanmabhoomi site. But destiny had a different script written on December 22, 1949.
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Govind Vallabh Pant, influenced by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, ordered the eviction of Hindus from the Ram Lalla temple at the Babri Masjid. Here, KK Nair became the unwavering voice against injustice. Refusing to obey an illegal order, he stood for the truth, emphasizing that Hindus were the true custodians, performing daily Poojas. The night of December 22-23, 1949, saw the mystical appearance of an idol of Ram Lalla—a moment that would change Ayodhya’s destiny forever.
Branded as Hindu radicals, Nair and Singh faced suspension, accused of planting the idol. But justice prevailed. KK Nair, resilient and unyielding, rose above the political tempest, earning reinstatement. Post-resignation, he metamorphosed into an advocate in the hallowed halls of the Allahabad High Court, carrying the torch of justice forward.
In the political arena of 1967, KK Nair stepped into the electoral fray, winning a seat in the 4th Lok Sabha from Bahraich as a Bharatiya Jan Sangh candidate. A political duo was born as his wife, Shakuntala Nair, secured a Lok Sabha seat from Gonda on a Hindu Mahasabha ticket.
KK Nair’s final chapter was written on September 7, 1977, but his legacy lives on. Ayodhya, acknowledging his silent sacrifice, journeyed to Kerala to collect his ashes, later immersing them in the sacred Sarayu River.
KK Nair—a name etched in Ayodhya’s heart as the unsung guardian angel, whose life encapsulates the spirit of resilience, unwavering commitment, and the triumph of justice against all odds.