Vice-President underscores timeless relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings at Sivagiri pilgrimage

Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday highlighted the enduring relevance of the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru while inaugurating the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala. He described Sivagiri not merely as a pilgrimage site, but as a living philosophy and a continuing journey of social awakening envisioned by the Guru.

Sree Narayana Guru, a visionary social reformer and spiritual leader from Kerala, championed equality, education, and the unity of humanity beyond caste and religious divisions.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said Sivagiri symbolises the harmonious integration of spirituality and social responsibility, where faith uplifts society and reason walks alongside devotion. He noted that the Sivagiri Pilgrimage was conceived not as a ritualistic exercise, but as a movement for social transformation through education, cleanliness, organisation, work, and self-respect.

Recalling the transformative impact of Sree Narayana Guru, Shri Radhakrishnan said the Guru challenged centuries of discrimination by asking a simple yet powerful question why one human being should be treated as inferior to another and answered it with the clarion call: “One caste, one religion, one God for humankind.” He described the Guru’s revolution as calm, compassionate, and irreversible, rooted in dignity, equality, and humaneness.

The Vice-President emphasised the intellectual depth of Sree Narayana Guru, noting that he upheld faith without surrendering reason, rejected blind belief, and encouraged rational inquiry. This synthesis of spirituality and rationalism, he said, makes the Guru not only a saint of his time but a guide for the future.

Highlighting India’s civilisational ethos, Shri Radhakrishnan said Indian spirituality has always placed love as the highest form of worship. He observed that Sree Narayana Guru lived this philosophy through action, demonstrating that service to society is greater than ritual and love towards fellow human beings is the truest form of devotion. He also remarked that Kerala’s greatest gifts to the world are Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru, whose philosophies continue to inspire humanity.

Stating that pilgrimage in India signifies transformation rather than tourism, the Vice-President said Sivagiri exemplifies this civilisational truth. He noted that saints across centuries travelled freely across regions and languages, reinforcing India’s enduring strength rooted in harmony among faiths.

Referring to government initiatives, Shri Radhakrishnan said pilgrimage infrastructure is being strengthened through schemes such as PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive), improved connectivity including Vande Bharat trains, and the development of spiritual circuits. He added that PRASAD is enhancing destinations like Varkala by improving infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor amenities, making spiritual travel safer, more convenient, and more enriching for devotees. These efforts, he said, from Kashi to Rameswaram, foster unity, harmony, and social cohesion.

Calling upon citizens, especially the youth, the Vice-President urged them to draw inspiration from the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and justice. He expressed confidence that the wisdom emanating from Sivagiri would continue to guide India towards a future marked by social justice, dignity, and universal brotherhood.

Earlier, the Vice-President offered prayers and paid homage at the sacred Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt. During the event, he released four books, including “The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” by MP Shashi Tharoor, and other works highlighting the Guru’s philosophy and legacy.