100 Years of Dialogue between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi

GS 1 – Modern Indian History

Context

The Prime Minister commemorated the centenary of the historic meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, which took place on March 12, 1925, at Sivagiri Mutt, Kerala.

Themes of the Historic Conversation

Their dialogue focused on:

• Vaikom Satyagraha
• Religious conversions
• Non-violence
• Abolition of untouchability
• Spiritual salvation
• Social upliftment of the marginalized

About Sree Narayana Guru (1855–1928)

• Birth: August 20, 1856, in Chempazhanthi village near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Community: Born into the Ezhava community.
• Identity: Spiritual leader, philosopher, and social reformer from Kerala.
• Vision: Advocated universal equality with the motto: “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam – Manushyanu).

Major Contributions

• Social Equality: Advocated for the spiritual and social empowerment of the oppressed.
• Temple Entry Reform (1888): Consecrated a Siva idol at Aruvippuram, defying caste restrictions.
• Temple Access to All Castes: Founded temples that welcomed people from all castes.
• SNDP Yogam (1903): Founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam to uplift backward communities.
• Advaita Ashram (1913): Established at Aluva, promoting the ideal “Om Sahodaryam Sarvatra” (Universal brotherhood and equality).

Literary Works

• Original Writings:
  • Atmopadesa Śatakam (a collection of spiritual poetry)
  • Daiva Daśakam (a prayer)
• Translations:
  • Thirukkural by Tiruvalluvar
  • Ishavasya Upanishad
  • Ozhivil Odukkam by Kannudaiya Vallalaar