Shri Narendra Modi in Kerala, attends 51st Dharma Meemamsa Parishad at Kerala’s Sivagiri Mutt

Shri Narendra Modi in Kerala, attends 51st Dharma Meemamsa Parishad at Kerala’s Sivagiri Mutt

● Narendra Modi pays rich tributes to Sree Narayana Guru

● Sree Narayana Guru epitomized the epitomized the merger of ‘Adhyatma’ (spirituality) with ‘Samajh Sudhar’ (social reform), and ensured there is no room for hatred

● Modi remembers glorious contribution of saints and seers in India’s freedom struggle

● Hindu society has always produced saints, social reformers and people have followed their path & corrected the wrongs in society

● Our Saints and seers made efforts to reduce untouchability in society but untouchability increased in politics

● Talking about Sree Narayan Guru, Shri Modi shared that he had the honor to serve in the RSS in his youth, where Sree Narayana Guru is remembered everyday in the daily Pratasmaran. Shri Modi further pointed out that if the nation had walked on the path shown by Sree Narayana Guru, things would be very different today. He also said, “Sree Narayana Guru stressed on education. Today, if Kerala is proud of its success in education, it is because people like Sree Narayana Guru dedicated his life for this cause a hundred years ago.” He talked about Sree Narayanan Guru’s commitment towards women empowerment.

● Giving another instance of Sree Narayana Guru’s far-sightedness, Shri Modi shared, “When the British were ruling us, there was a slave mindset. The British wanted to increase the spread of English to enhance this. That time many resisted this but Sree Narayanan Guru said we should learn English and give a fitting answer to the British in their own language. This was the courage he had.”

● Shri Modi pointed out that it is believed that the 21st century is India’s century and that we are the world’s most youthful nation. However, this demographic dividend can only be realized if we strengthen our youth with relevant skills. “Those nations who want to progress are talking about one thing- skill development. Today even the world’s prosperous nations are talking about it (skill development). President Obama spoke about it after getting elected. In India, the Centre is talking about the same thing. I am proud that on 21st April the Prime Minister gave Gujarat an Award of Excellence for Gujarat’s initiatives in skill development.”

● In this regard, Shri Modi added that while the prosperous nations of the world are talking about skill development today, Sree Narayana Guru talked about it a century ago and made efforts in that direction. The Chief Minster also showered praise on Sree Narayana Guru for giving the inspiring Mantra of “Ek Jan, Ek Desh, Ek Devata” (One people, One Nation and One God). He affirmed, “He dreamt of an India bound by love. There was a time when there was heavy competition to build grand temples. Sree Narayanan Guru did something different. He called for small temples and gave the message that Almighty is everywhere.

● During his speech, Shri Modi thanked the people of Kerala for the warm welcome accorded to him. He said, “There is no district or Taluka of Kerala whose people are not staying in Gujarat. In this progress of Gujarat, there lies the contribution, hardwork and sweat of the people of Kerala as well!” he affirmed. He also declared that he will take every step possible to facilitate the wide spreading of Sree Narayana Guru’s message to the people of Gujarat.

● Shri Modi received a very warm welcome in Kerala. His speech was viewed widely across television and the Internet. A large number of viewers from the Gulf countries heard Shri Modi speak on the occasion. Shri Modi spoke in Hindi and Kerala BJP President Shri Murleedharan translated it into Malayalam.