KOLLAM: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the country should follow the vision of Sree Narayana Gurudevan. He was speaking at a public meeting held at Pallimukku as part of the conclusion of the first day tour of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kollam district.

"It is disrespectful to bow down in front of Gurudeva's statue without following Guru's views. After following the vision of Gurudeva in life, one should approach the idol. The country needs this path. I started this journey from Gurudeva Samadhi yesterday morning. Sree Narayana Gurudevan, Chattambi Swami and Ayyankali paved the way for Kerala's growth, unity, brotherhood and tolerance. Not a single one of them spread hatred. That is the general sentiment of Kerala. Other states have a lot to learn from Kerala", Rahul said.

"What we see in the country today is hatred. It is because of the ideology of RSS and BJP. They are trying to divide the country. The real strength of the country is its respect and tolerance for other ideologies. Efforts are being made to eliminate it. Cashew nut workers in Kerala are in dire straits. They have no hope for the future. Hate is easy to spread. It is difficult to unite people. It requires humanity. Kerala has this humanity and mutual respect".

"It was the Malayalis who crossed the sea and built the Gulf countries. The people of the Gulf countries respect the Malayalis. A large number of nurses in hospitals there are Malayalis. They work tirelessly. The government there respects the Malayali nurses. The reason for this is the excellent education system in Kerala. This system was created by the DNA of Kerala. It is a culture of respect for others. Kerala is a message to those who are trying to divide the country", Rahul Gandhi added.