Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan officially commenced the 93rd edition of the annual Sivagiri pilgrimage on Tuesday at the revered Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram. In his address, he characterized the event as a vibrant manifestation of the social awakening championed by the spiritual and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.
Sivagiri: A Centre of Thought, Not Just Pilgrimage
The Vice-President emphasized that Sivagiri transcends its identity as a mere pilgrimage site. He described it as a profound centre of thought that seamlessly merges spiritual seeking with a deep sense of social duty. Radhakrishnan clarified that the pilgrimage was envisioned by Guru not as a set of rituals but as a holistic movement built upon the foundational pillars of education, cleanliness, organisation, work, and self-respect.
Reflecting on the Guru's transformative teachings, Radhakrishnan pointed to the powerful question Narayana Guru posed to challenge entrenched social hierarchies: why should one human being be considered inferior to another? He stated that Guru's revolutionary creed of 'one caste, one religion, one God for humankind' actively dismantled age-old discriminatory practices and established the groundwork for a more equitable and compassionate society.
A Philosophy of Calm Conviction and Enduring Relevance
Radhakrishnan noted that the Guru's path to reform was distinguished by calm conviction rather than confrontation, firmly rooted in the principles of dignity, equality, and compassion. He highlighted that Guru uniquely upheld faith without discarding reason, promoting rational thinking alongside spirituality, which ensures his philosophy remains pertinent across generations.
Connecting Guru's ideals to India's broader civilisational ethos, the Vice-President remarked that the nation's spiritual traditions have consistently prioritized love and service over empty ritual. He cited Guru as the perfect embodiment of this ideal, demonstrating that service to humanity is the highest form of devotion. He also acknowledged the lasting societal influence of spiritual luminaries like Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru in shaping India's heritage.
Infrastructure Development and a Call to the Youth
Observing that pilgrimage in India signifies inner transformation more than physical travel, Radhakrishnan said Sivagiri stands as a powerful symbol of the country's enduring culture of harmony and coexistence. He detailed government efforts to enhance pilgrimage infrastructure through schemes like PRASAD, better connectivity including Vande Bharat trains, and the development of spiritual circuits linking major centres from Kashi to Rameswaram. These initiatives, he said, aim to foster national unity and social cohesion.
The Vice-President concluded with an appeal to the youth, urging them to draw inspiration from Guru's life and teachings to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and justice. He expressed confidence that the ideals emanating from Sivagiri would continue to guide the nation toward a more just and inclusive future.
Earlier in the day, the Vice-President offered prayers at the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru within the Mutt complex. The inauguration event also witnessed the release of four significant books:
- The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru by Shashi Tharoor.
- Sree Narayana Gurudeva Divya Leelamrutham by Brahmasree Swami Satchidananda.
- Naam Arivakunnu, prepared by the University of Kerala for the 93rd pilgrimage workshop.
- Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru's Philosophy of Education and Skill Development by Prakash Divakaran and Suresh Kumar Madhusudhan.
