90th anniversary of pilgrimage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech marking the special place of Sivagiri in India while inaugurating the celebrations of the 90th anniversary of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage and the golden jubilee of Brahma Vidhyalaya in Delhi. The Prime Minister also unveiled the logo of year-long events, including the Bharat Yatra, at a function attended by Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust Swami Sachidananda and other swamis.

The Prime Minister spoke about Sivagiri from his own experience. He visited Sivagiri twice- once before becoming Prime Minister and once after becoming Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, who described Sivagiri as Dakshina Kashi, added that whenever he visited Sivagiri, he was able to feel the energy of the sacred spirituality of the place.

Sivagiri is a place that radiates the energy of Indianness and secularism at the same time. Gurudeva moulded Sivagiri in such a way that the motto 'Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu' can be completed in word and deed. The relevance of the Guru's path has increased tremendously in this day and age when conflicting ideologies and hate propaganda battle it out even in the name of religion.

Sree Narayana Guru pointed out that ignorance is the basis of evils, superstitions and casteism and that the life of a human being should be a pilgrimage to knowledge. The Sivagiri Pilgrimage is a symbolic pilgrimage to that. Sivagiri, the Samadhi of Gurudeva, is a unique place where the particles of knowledge are concentrated. Hence, the journey to Sivagiri is a journey to knowledge. Gurudeva designed and laid the foundation stone for the Brahma Vidhyalaya as a practical center for attaining knowledge. The Brahma Vidhyalaya was started years after the demise of Sree Narayana Guru. Eminent Sanskrit scholar M.H Shastri was the first teacher. The study of interpreting and teaching the works of Gurudeva continues along with many other spiritual studies in the Brahma Vidhyalaya.

As part of the celebrations, the Dharma Sangham Trust has decided to organize a Bharat Yatra to bring together the entire Sree Narayana movement in India. In addition, extensive programs have been planned in various national and international Sree Narayana movements. The decision to institute an award of Rs 5 lakhs for the best literary works published in English in connection with the philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru will bring joy to the minds of those who love literature. In addition, it has been decided to give the award to individuals who have made comprehensive contributions to spreading Gurudeva's philosophies. The Dharma Sangham president rightly pointed out at the function that Prime Minister Modi, who knows and respects Sivagiri and Sree Narayana Gurudeva, was always at the forefront of providing necessary assistance to the Mutt.

Swami Sachidananda said that he was proud of President Ram Nath Kovind's words that India will be moulded based on the message given by Sree Narayana Guru to the world. Wishing that Gurudeva's principles will become the greatest source of energy for India to move forward with confidence before the entire world.