Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a strong caution on Wednesday against rising attempts to distort the nation's pluralistic character and enforce a narrow, exclusionary worldview. He stated that such trends are a serious danger to social cohesion and fundamentally oppose the teachings of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Organised Efforts to Undermine Rational Thought
Addressing the gathering at the 93rd Sivagiri pilgrimage in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan highlighted what he described as organised campaigns to suppress rational thinking, alter historical narratives, and impose a singular cultural story while marginalising India's rich and diverse traditions. He argued that these attempts aim to erode the foundational pillars of equality, rationality, and humanism that underpin the country's social structure.
Connecting his message to the philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Guru's vision was not limited to spirituality but was deeply anchored in societal change. "By challenging caste hierarchy and social injustice, Guru laid the foundation for a society based on equality, reason, and human dignity," Vijayan said. He clarified that the Sivagiri Theerthadanam was envisioned as a platform to promote these progressive ideals, not merely as a ritualistic religious event.
Guru's Vision vs. Contemporary Dangerous Trends
The CM recalled that Guru's philosophy directly confronted the oppressive social order of his era, where caste dictated one's profession, rights, and standing in society. "Guru's call for fraternity was a direct challenge to systems that legitimised inequality and exploitation. The message of 'one caste, one religion, one God for humankind' was a call to dismantle social hierarchies and affirm human dignity," he explained.
Vijayan pointed to a particularly alarming trend: the portrayal of mythology and unscientific concepts as historical truth. He warned that this practice weakens critical thinking and corrupts knowledge systems. Such approaches, he asserted, are in complete opposition to Guru's stress on reason, education, and social reform.
Education as a Tool for Liberation and Dignity
Highlighting the Guru's unwavering focus on education as the bedrock of social advancement, Vijayan noted that knowledge is the primary tool for oppressed communities to achieve freedom and dignity. He stated that this vision continues to inform the state government's policies, including significant investments in public education, social welfare, and inclusive development.
Reiterating the contemporary relevance of the Sivagiri pilgrimage, the Chief Minister said Guru conceived it as a forum for social awakening. The principles of equality, rational inquiry, and collective progress remain crucial in addressing today's challenges, he added.
In his concluding remarks, Vijayan stressed that safeguarding the constitutional values of secularism, fraternity, and social justice is imperative. He called upon society to remain alert against forces that seek to divide people along religious or cultural lines and to actively uphold Guru's humanist legacy in public life.
