Nairs were the most economically and socially dominant community, as well as the most numerous, in what was traditionally a staunchly Hindu kingdom that rigorously and officially enforced distinctions between castes.

[4] Some Nairs had felt provoked by the rise to prominence of the Saint Thomas Christians during the era of British rule and whose members were being elected as chairs of various official bodies, this was notable because previously, during a period when the political systems were being modified, these positions were held only by Hindu Nairs or Brahmins.

[3] The Nairs believed Travancore to be a Hindu state[3] and the founders of the NSS believed that their own community could only counter the changing socio-political situation if it presented a united front and did away with its internal social subdivisions, to support this, Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai removed the title "Pillai" from his name, which is recognized as one of the highest statuses among the Nairs.

The NSS Karayogam movement was initiated by Mannath Padmanabhan in the Malayalam calendar year 1104 Dhanu, from the village Thattayil, with the assistance of T. P. Velukkutty Menon, who served as a unique organizer and orator.

Two prestigious Nair Tharavadu in Thattayil, namely Edayirethu and Kalluzhathil, were chosen by Mannathu Padmanabhan to host the inaugural ceremony of the Karayogam Movement.

Subsequently, the Global Nair Service Society was founded during a meeting attended by thousands in New Delhi.