ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU AT INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE SACRED OBSERVANCE OF SREE NARAYANA GURU’S MAHASAMADHI CENTENARY

We all have gathered in the sacred land of Sivagiri today for the observance of Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru. He was one of India’s great spiritual leaders and social reformers. This is the place where Sree Narayana Guru spent his final days and attained samadhi. He was a saint and philosopher who influenced the social and spiritual landscape of our country. He inspired generations to believe in the ideals of equality, unity and love for humanity.

Sree Narayana Guru was one of the leading figures of the pan-Indian reawakening witnessed during 19 th century. He devoted his life to liberating people from the darkness of ignorance and superstition. Sree Narayana Guru believed in the oneness of all existence. He saw God as the divine presence within every living being. He gave the powerful message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind”. His teachings went beyond the boundaries of religion, caste and creed. He believed that real liberation comes from knowledge and compassion, not from blind faith. Sree Narayana Guru always emphasized self-purification, simplicity, and universal love.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sree Narayana Guru shared timeless ideals with humanity. Through his teaching of जातिभेदम् मतद्वेषम् एदुमिल्लादे सर्वरुम्, he proclaimed that, - that world is a model abode where all live in brotherhood without any distinction of caste and faith.

He established many temples, schools and social institutions that served as centres of education and moral upliftment. Through these institutions, he promoted literacy, self-reliance, and moral values among the oppressed communities. His verses in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil blended deep philosophical insight with simplicity. His works reflect his profound understanding of human life and spirituality.

In today’s world, Sree Narayana Guru’s message becomes even more relevant. His call for oneness, equality, and mutual respect offers a timeless solution to the conflicts faced by humanity all the time. Narayana Guru’s message of unity reminds us that all human beings share the same divine essence.

As we remember him today, let us strive to live by his ideals. Let us aspire to treat every human being with dignity, to serve selflessly, and to see the divine in every individual.

Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!