The Hindu : Rich tributes paid to Swami Saswathikananda

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 12, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Rich tributes paid to Swami Saswathikananda

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM July 11. People from different walks of life paid homage to the late Swami Saswathikananda, who was president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust president, at a commemorative meeting organised by the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam here this evening.

The playback singer, K.J.Jesudas, said he that he had known the Swami for the past 20 years. He was a man of few words and was an ocean of devotion. The Swami had cancelled all his programmes and associated with Jesudas for the recording of Sree Narayana slokas some years back. The Swami had worked with great commitment to spread the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru, he added.

The former Chief Minister, E.K.Nayanar, recalled Swami Saswathikananda's help in settling the dispute in Sivagiri Madhom. He said he had a warm relationship with the Swami, who had always strived to hold high the ideals of the Guru. While leading a spiritual life, the Swami was actively involved in solving material issues too. There is no need to kick off a row over his death, Mr. Nayanar said.

The Agriculture Minister, K.R.Gouri, described the Swami as a preacher of spirituality, above religion. Seeing his prowess in convincing his followers through logical arguments, Ms.Gouri said that she had wondered why he had not entered politics. The Swami had a lot of friends and enemies too, but he was a champion of the Dalits and the downtrodden, she added.

The AICC general secretary, Vayalar Ravi, MP, described the Swami's death as a personal loss. The Swami was ready to sacrifice his position for peace in Sivagiri. He had always stood for social justice, which is yet to become a reality, he said.

The KPCC president, K.Muraleedharan, said that the Swami was well-versed in politics and spiritual affairs and had advised him to intelligently tackle crises. Certain issues must be addressed in a psychological manner, the Swami had advised him, Mr.Muraleedharan said.

The UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, said the Swami demise was a loss to society and not to a community alone. He had silently fought for the liberation of the oppressed. He had shared the sorrow and happiness of his fellow beings, Mr.Chandy said.

Swami Sookshmananda, the Finance Minister, K.Sankaranarayanan, the Public Works Minister, M.K.Muneer, V.S.Sivakumar, MP, R.Balakrishna Pillai, MLA, the Mayor, J.Chandra, the Congress leader, P.J.Kurien, the BJP leader, P.P.Mukundan, P.K.Hamza Moulavi Farooqui, the SNDP yogam president, C.K.Vidyasagar, the general secretary, Vellapally Natesan, and the Yogam activists, D.Sathyan and Mohan Sankar, were among those who addressed the meeting.

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