President Murmu hails Sree Narayana Guru as one of India’s greatest spiritual reformers

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that Sree Narayana Guru was one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders and social reformers, whose philosophy and actions reshaped the nation’s social and spiritual landscape.

Inaugurating the observance of Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Madhom in Varkala, the President said the revered saint and philosopher inspired generations with his ideals of equality, unity and love for humanity.

“Sree Narayana Guru was one of the leading figures of the pan-Indian re-awakening witnessed during the 19th century. He devoted his life to liberating people from the darkness of ignorance and superstition,” the President said.

Highlighting the social reformer’s belief in the oneness of all existence, the President observed that he viewed God as the divine presence within every living being and spread the message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind”.

She added that the Guru’s teachings transcended the boundaries of religion, caste and creed, and stressed that true liberation arises from knowledge and compassion rather than blind faith. “Sree Narayana Guru always emphasised self-purification, simplicity, and universal love,” she said.

President Droupadi Murmu at the inauguration of the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Madhom, Varkala, in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit:
Rashtrapati Bhavan via PTI Photo

The President pointed out that the temples, schools and social institutions established by Sree Narayana Guru became centres of literacy, self-reliance and moral awakening among the oppressed sections of society. His verses in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil, she said, blended deep philosophical insight with simplicity. His works reflect his profound understanding of human life and spirituality.

A timeless solution

Highlighting the relevance of his teachings in today’s world, the President said that Sree Narayana Guru’s message of oneness, equality and mutual respect offers a timeless solution to the conflicts faced by humanity. “His message of unity reminds us that all human beings share the same divine essence,” she added.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, Adoor Prakash, MP, V. Joy, MLA, Sivagiri Madhom president Swami Sathchidananda and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar were among those who were present at the event.

Earlier, on her way to the Madhom, the President received a warm welcome from schoolchildren who lined the roadside with flowers. She briefly stepped out of her vehicle to greet them personally.