Gandhi-Narayana Guru Meet
Context:
A Congress MP has urged the Centre to issue a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru.
The centenary celebration commemorates their encounter on March 12, 1925, at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala
Historical Background:
Sree Narayana Guru believed in the oneness of all existence. He gave the powerful message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind”.
Mahatma Gandhi had visited Kerala on five occasions.
His first visit was on 18th August 1920 when he arrived at Calicut (Kozhikode) to garner support for the Non Co-operation movement.
The next one was in 1925 (March 8 – 19) to support the Vaikom Satyagraha.
It is a struggle for the right of lower castes to use public roads around the Vaikom temple.
The meeting took place at Sivagiri Mutt in a building specially named Gandhi Ashram for the occasion.
He was accompanied by C. Rajagopalachari, E.V. Ramaswami Naiker, Ramdas Gandhi, Mahadeva Desai, etc.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue:
Untouchability:
When Gandhi asked if Hindu scriptures justified untouchability, the Guru categorically answered No.
Caste & Equality:
Gandhi used the analogy of leaves on a tree (different sizes but same tree) to explain the Varna system.
Sree Narayana Guru refuted this by stating that while leaves differ in size, they all taste the same because the same sap runs through them, emphasizing that all humans are equal by nature.
Social Upliftment:
While discussing how to uplift backward classes, the Guru prioritized education and economic empowerment over mere social integration like inter-caste dining.
Religious Conversion:
The Guru acknowledged that conversion seemed appealing for freedom but affirmed that Hinduism offered sufficient avenues for spiritual salvation.
About Sivagiri Mutt:
Built in 1904 by Guru Narayana, the Sivagiri Mutt is a popular tourist destination in South India.
Located in the town of Sivagiri which is a renowned pilgrim centre, the Mutt is dedicated to Goddess Sarada, the deity of knowledge.
The idol of Saraswathi seated on a white lotus symbolizes the blossoming of pure knowledge, reflecting the Guru’s emphasis on education and enlightenment as paths to social upliftment.
The Sivagiri Mutt was built with the motto of ‘One God, One Religion and One Caste’.
This shrine embodies the profound philosophy of equality and universal brotherhood.