Vice-President Radhakrishnan highlights relevance of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings at 146th Jayanti

Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday attended the 146th Jayanti celebrations of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in New Delhi. As part of the occasion, he also released a commemorative coin issued by the Ministry of Finance in honour of the revered spiritual sage.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-President described Sri Ramana Maharshi as one of the most distinguished spiritual figures of modern India , whose life and teachings continue to influence spiritual seekers worldwide. He noted that while many saints pursued detachment, Maharshi uniquely remained unattached even to the exemplary life of renunciation he himself embodied.

Highlighting the sage’s central teaching of Atma Vichara (self-enquiry) , the Vice-President said it provides a direct path to self-knowledge, inner freedom and clarity of mind . He emphasised that Maharshi’s message of self-awareness and inner discipline is particularly relevant in today’s complex and fast-changing world, including in leadership, governance and responsible citizenship .

The Vice-President also underscored Maharshi’s affirmation of the unity of all spiritual paths , explaining that devotion, knowledge, meditation and selfless service ultimately lead to the same truth.

Speaking on compassion, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that Maharshi extended care not only to humans but also to animals and all living creatures , reflecting values deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos. He lauded the continued efforts of Sri Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai, and Ramana Kendras in preserving and disseminating the sage’s teachings. He highlighted the Ashram’s community service initiatives , including free medical dispensaries, provision of meals to sadhus and the underprivileged, and environmental conservation. Recalling history, he mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi encouraged freedom fighters to visit the Ashram for guidance and solace.

Regarding the commemorative coin, Shri Radhakrishnan said it is a fitting tribute that honours Maharshi’s enduring spiritual influence and the historic role of Sri Ramana Ashram, serving as a lasting reminder of India’s spiritual heritage and message of inner awakening.

Extending greetings to devotees across India and abroad, the Vice-President said that true homage to Sri Ramana Maharshi lies not merely in celebration, but in striving to embody the values he exemplified: simplicity, self-awareness and compassion . He expressed hope that Maharshi’s teachings would continue to guide the nation towards harmony, wisdom and inner strength .

The event was attended by Dr. Venkat S. Ramanan , President of Sri Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai, Justice K. Ramamoorthy (Retd.) , President of Ramana Kendra Delhi, and other dignitaries.