Vice-President Radhakrishnan Releases Tharoor's Book on Sree Narayan Guru, Highlighting Its Legacy

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan released Shashi Tharoor's biography of Sree Narayan Guru, emphasising its role in promoting social equality and preserving the Guru's teachings against caste discrimination.

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan recently unveiled a new book by senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor, titled "The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru." Radhakrishnan praised the work as a significant contribution to preserving the spiritual and social legacy of the reformer Narayana Guru.

The biography, published by Aleph Book Company, delves into the life of Sree Narayana Guru, a 19th-century social reformer from Kerala. Known for his fight against caste discrimination, Narayana Guru's efforts in promoting social equality are well documented in this book. His message of "one caste, one religion, one God" continues to inspire dignity and universal brotherhood.

Narayana Guru's Impact on Society

Addressing an audience at the India International Centre, Radhakrishnan highlighted Narayana Guru's initiatives. He noted that the reformer's actions, such as opening temples to all and advocating for education, significantly transformed society with wisdom and compassion. These efforts were pivotal in challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity.

Radhakrishnan commended Tharoor's work for capturing the essence of Narayana Guru's teachings. He emphasised that books play a crucial role in preserving truth and legacy. "Books preserve truth. They protect legacy from distortion. They inspire scholars to research deeply, youth to think critically, and society to act responsibly," he stated.

Tharoor on Narayana Guru's Philosophy

Shashi Tharoor highlighted the enduring significance of Narayana Guru's philosophy. Despite its universal relevance, Tharoor lamented that the reformer's legacy remains largely unknown outside Kerala. He described Narayana Guru as being ahead of his time, particularly in his opposition to caste hierarchy and discrimination.

The Lok Sabha MP noted that Narayana Guru challenged orthodox practices by insisting that anyone could become a priest regardless of caste. He also advocated for equal access to education and opportunities for all. Tharoor concluded that the teachings of Narayana Guru remain deeply rooted yet modern, offering valuable guidance on social equality and empowerment.

Radhakrishnan further stressed the importance of documenting spiritual and social achievements with depth and scholarship. He warned that failing to do so risks losing a vital part of civilizational memory. Tharoor's book is seen as a bridge between generations, ensuring that Narayana Guru's legacy continues to inspire future scholars and society at large.

With inputs from PTI