The Vice-President highlighted that Sree Narayana Guru challenged injustice with wisdom and compassion through initiatives such as inclusive temple consecrations and the promotion of education. Referring to his visit to Sivagiri Mutt in December last year, he described Sivagiri as one of the holiest places that inspires individuals to treat everyone with equality and dignity.
Quoting the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President noted that Guru’s teachings serve as a roadmap for social justice and continue to guide efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusive development.
Emphasising India’s rich spiritual heritage, the Vice-President observed that saints and reformers such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Sree Narayana Guru reshaped society through their spiritual teachings, challenged injustice, removed superstition and restored dignity to every citizen. He remarked that if there had been no Adi Shankaracharya, there would be no united India today.
Commending Dr. Shashi Tharoor for authoring the book, the Vice-President said that the work would expand the global reach of India’s civilisational heritage. He described Dr. Tharoor as a distinguished diplomat, parliamentarian and author who has enriched public discourse with clarity and historical depth. He also noted Dr. Tharoor’s leadership of an All-Party Delegation during Operation Sindoor to convey India’s united and resolute message of zero tolerance towards terrorism .
The Vice-President observed that the book sheds light on the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, whose emphasis on self-respect, honest labour and social transformation empowered disadvantaged communities . He highlighted the role of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, established in 1903, in carrying forward the Guru’s mission through education, institution-building and socio-economic upliftment.
The Vice-President stated that documenting the lives and contributions of spiritual and social reformers is essential to safeguarding India’s civilisational memory. He expressed confidence that the book would inspire scholars to undertake deeper research, encourage youth to think critically and motivate society to act responsibly.
Calling upon everyone to recommit themselves to the ideals of equality, unity and education, the Vice-President said that the vision of Sree Narayana Guru, strengthened by the SNDP movement and articulated through scholarly works such as this book, would continue to inspire the nation to build a society rooted in justice, harmony and human dignity .
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and author of the book; Mr. David Davidar, Managing Director, Aleph Book Company; distinguished scholars, and other eminent guests.
