PM Modi Honors Sree Narayana Guru–Gandhi Legacy, Stresses Vision for Viksit Bharat

Paying his homage to both stalwarts, the Prime Minister declared the event as one that "gave concrete meaning to the freedom movement and remains a beacon of unity and empowerment today."

In a momentous tribute to India’s spiritual and reformist heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebration of the historic 1924 meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This meeting, emblematic of social harmony, spiritual insight, and moral courage, remains deeply influential in shaping the nation's conscience and aspirations.

Paying his homage to both stalwarts, the Prime Minister declared the event as one that "gave concrete meaning to the freedom movement and remains a beacon of unity and empowerment today."

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A Historic Meeting with Timeless Relevance

The 1924 interaction between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi was not just a symbolic convergence—it was a foundational event that offered spiritual fuel to the political and social awakening of India. PM Modi referred to this as "an unprecedented moment in India’s history" and emphasized how this centenary celebration serves as a bridge between the moral force of India’s past and its ambitions for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

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The Enduring Influence of Sree Narayana Guru

Describing Sree Narayana Guru as a “guiding light for humanity,” the Prime Minister extolled the Guru’s principles of truth, harmony, service, and equality. He recalled how Guruji, during a time of entrenched social evils and fear-driven silence, boldly initiated reform by championing spiritual enlightenment as a path to social emancipation. Modi emphasized that Guru’s legacy directly resonates with India’s democratic ethos of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”—inclusive growth with collective participation.

The Prime Minister elaborated on the Guru’s powerful philosophical tenet—"One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind", noting that it captures the core of India’s civilizational ethos and cultural unity. He asserted that this sentiment is reflected in India’s contemporary global initiatives such as:

• One Earth, One Health (Yoga Day 2024 Theme)

• One Sun, One World, One Grid (Sustainable energy collaboration)

• One Earth, One Family, One Future (G20 2023 theme)

These embody the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), deeply inspired by India’s spiritual traditions.

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A Personal Bond with Sivagiri

Modi also recounted his long-standing connection with the Sivagiri Math, the spiritual center founded by Sree Narayana Guru. During the 2013 Kedarnath calamity, when many members of the Sivagiri community were trapped, it was then-Chief Minister Modi who facilitated their evacuation. He recalled that the trust shown in him by the saints was not only a moment of responsibility but one of "profound spiritual satisfaction."

He drew symbolic parallels between Varkala (Kashi of the South) and Kashi in the North, affirming his spiritual kinship with both.

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India’s Path of Empowerment and Equity

PM Modi linked Sree Narayana Guru’s mission of uplifting the oppressed with the current government’s flagship initiatives. Stressing the "saturation approach" to development—where every citizen is assured of essential services—the Prime Minister outlined transformative achievements:

• PM Awas Yojana: Over 4 crore homes built with electricity, gas, water, and sanitation

• Jal Jeevan Mission: Clean drinking water to rural households, including tribal belts

• PM Janman Yojana: Direct outreach to particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs)

• Swachh Bharat Mission: A sanitation revolution empowering women and children

He asserted that these efforts restore dignity and self-worth to communities historically denied access to basic human rights, aligning perfectly with Sree Narayana Guru’s vision of a just society.

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Education and Industry: Pillars of Enlightenment

Quoting Guru’s dictum—“Enlightenment through education, Strength through organisation, and Prosperity through industry”—Modi reflected on India's journey in each domain:

• Education:

  • New National Education Policy (NEP) promoting mother tongue, skill integration, inclusivity

  • Establishment of record numbers of IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools

  • Focus on tribal and marginalized communities

• Skill & Industry:

  • Skill India Mission

  • Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs

  • Reforms encouraging industrial growth benefiting the underprivileged

This inclusive development model reflects Guruji’s ideal of harnessing education and enterprise as vehicles for liberation and equality.

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Women-Led Development

Reinforcing Sree Narayana Guru’s advocacy for women’s empowerment, PM Modi highlighted how his government has:

• Removed gender-based entry barriers in temples and military roles

• Promoted women’s leadership in science, sports, space, and entrepreneurship

• Encouraged Women-Led Development as a central governance priority

He stated that empowered women are now not only beneficiaries but active participants in the making of a New India.

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Spiritual Resilience and National Strength

Linking spirituality with sovereignty, Modi said that India must remain strong across social, economic, and military domains to realize Guruji’s vision. He cited:

• India’s rising position as 3rd-largest global economy (in the making)

• Defense self-reliance, exemplified during Operation Sindoor, where indigenous weaponry forced enemy surrender in just 22 minutes

• India’s unwavering stance on anti-terrorism, demonstrating global leadership

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Sivagiri Circuit and the Way Forward

To institutionalize the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru, the government is developing the Sivagiri Circuit, connecting major pilgrimage and reformist sites linked to Guruji. Modi emphasized that the blessings and teachings of the Guru will guide India through Amrit Kaal, the 25-year journey toward becoming a fully developed nation.

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Dignitaries and Attendees

The event witnessed the presence of:

• Shri George Kurien, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries

• Revered saints from Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust

• Government officials, civil society leaders, and spiritual scholars

The centenary not only celebrated a landmark meeting of minds from a century ago but also reaffirmed their shared dream of a just, inclusive, and empowered India.