Meet Raman Rajamannan, Kerala’s only King, who has been invited to the Republic Day parade

Raman Rajamannan, or N. Binu, hails from Kozhimala village in Idukki district, Kerala. He is the 17th king of the Mannan community, succeeding King Aryan Rajamannan in 2012.

India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day today, in a grand showcase of the country’s unique blend of rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development, and military prowess at the Kartavya Path. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the country’s celebrations today. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country, at the National War Memorial, marking the beginning of the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as he reached at the National War Memorial to pay heartfelt tribute to our heroes.

Meet Raman Rajamannan, Kerala’s sole tribal king honored with an invitation to the Republic Day ceremony. According to an Indian Express report, Raman leads a community of approximately 3,000 Mannan families, a tribal group with a history dating back to the era when several tribes were compelled to flee present-day Tamil Nadu after a fierce war between the Chola and Pandya kingdoms.

While he doesn’t reign over a kingdom, he remains dedicated to his community. Raman Rajamannan adorns a traditional headgear (thalappavu) during cultural gatherings but lives in a simple home. His “capital” is nestled in Kozhimala village, part of Idukki’s Kanchiyar panchayat.

N. Binu, also known as Raman Rajamannan, is the sole tribal king of the Mannan community in the state. Raman and his wife Binumol have been invited by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department to attend the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. The invitation was personally extended to them by OR Kelu, Kerala’s Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes. This marks a significant moment, as it’s the first time a tribal monarch will be part of Delhi’s Republic Day procession.

Raman Rajamannan, or N. Binu, hails from Kozhimala village in Idukki district, Kerala. He is the 17th king of the Mannan community, succeeding King Aryan Rajamannan in 2012. The Mannan community is a Scheduled Tribe, primarily made up of farmers and laborers. Though his position is symbolic, Raman Rajamannan is highly regarded and loved by his people.

This year marks the 76th Republic Day celebration, and Raman Rajamannan, along with his wife Binumol, will be attending the event. They have received an invitation from O. R. Kelu, the Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. This occasion is a proud moment, not only for him but for his entire community.

The Mannan community is known for its distinct culture and traditions. They reside in 48 villages within the buffer zone of the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. The community follows traditional customs and takes pride in preserving its cultural heritage. Raman Rajamannan actively participates in community events and wears traditional attire like turbans or hats.

Rajamannan, an economics graduate, lives a modest life as a farmer. He doesn’t have a royal palace or chariot. Instead, he resides in a simple home and helps manage a local temple with his family.