President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the observance of the Mahasamadhi Centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala, on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, the President described Sree Narayana Guru as one of India’s foremost spiritual leaders and social reformers whose vision reshaped the country’s moral and social fabric. She said the saint and philosopher inspired generations to uphold the ideals of equality, unity, and love for humanity.
The President said that Sree Narayana Guru, a key figure in the 19th-century socio-religious awakening, dedicated his life to freeing people from ignorance and superstition. He believed in the oneness of all existence and saw God as a divine presence in every living being. His profound message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind,” she said, transcended the boundaries of faith, caste, and community.
President Murmu said that Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings continue to guide society towards knowledge, compassion, and self-purification. “He believed that true liberation comes from awareness and empathy, not from blind belief,” she said, adding that his emphasis on simplicity and universal love remains deeply relevant today.
Recalling his contributions to social upliftment, the President said that the temples, schools, and institutions established by Sree Narayana Guru became centers of learning, self-reliance, and moral values for marginalized communities. His writings in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil, she noted, combined philosophical depth with simplicity and reflected his profound understanding of human life and spirituality.
Underscoring the continued relevance of his message, President Murmu said that in a world often divided by conflict, Sree Narayana Guru’s ideals of oneness, equality, and mutual respect offer a timeless path toward harmony and peace. “His message reminds us that all human beings share the same divine essence,” she said.
The observance marks 100 years since the Mahasamadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, whose life and work continue to inspire generations across India and beyond.