Guru's teachings more relevant now: Deve Gowda

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, AUG. 20. In an age when knowledge-based technology was widening the gap between the haves and the have- nots, the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru have become all the more relevant, observed the former Prime Minister, Mr. H.D. Deve Gowda.

Inaugurating a symposium on the `Relevance of the philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru in the emerging high-technological world', organised here this evening by the Sree Narayana Samskarika Samithy, he said that in the unfolding scenario, the rich were becoming richer and the poor, poorer. The knowledge-based technology would benefit only a meagre two per cent of the country's population, he added.

The Guru, who was a great thinker and philosopher, was instrumental in bringing about a `bloodless revolution' in this State which has had a cascading effect all over the country. It was he who mainly paved the way for the social, economic, educational and spiritual uplift of the downtrodden and the oppressed sections of society. He also infused courage and confidence in his followers to help them find their own feet, Mr. Gowda observed.

His philosophy on one caste, one religion and one God was aimed at eliminating the caste system which had taken deep roots in Kerala. He was opposed to an attitude of confrontation with the upper castes and also exhorted his followers to desist from wounding their feelings and this despite the fact that the backward castes continued to be exploited by the upper castes.

From a very humble origin, Sree Narayanan rose to towering heights and went on to command respect from the so-called upper castes as well, Mr. Gowda said.

The former State Minister, Ms. K.R. Gowri, who presided over the function, was of the opinion that the time had come for launching a second Sree Narayana movement in Kerala. The dominance of money power has been taking a heavy toll on the existing movement, she maintained. Further, inequality and injustice continued to prevail among the followers of the Guru and a number of evils still haunted the society at large.

Hailing the contributions of Sree Narayana Guru towards the creation of the modern-day Kerala society, she said that his teachings had not been comprehended wholly and in their true sense and spirit. His concern was not only on the material development of the people but also on their spiritual attainments.

The caste system continued to be predominant in all the major political parties, including the Communist movement. However, there was no denying the fact that even in the Communist movement in Kerala, the teachings of the Guru had an impact in the initial period.

Ms. Gowri observed that it was because the backward castes had a say in the running of the Governments that the country could register progress.

Mr. Deve Gowda also released the book, `A Social History of India', authored by Dr. S.N. Sadasivan of the Indian Institute of Administration, by handing over a copy to Dr. A. Neelalohithadasan Nadar, MLA. Mr. Nedumkunnam Gopalakrishnan, State president of the Samithy, welcomed the gathering and Mr. V. Sasidharan, general secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

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