‘Adhyatma’ (spirituality) with
‘Samajh Sudhar’ (social reform), and ensured there is no room for hatred. Shri Modi lauded the contribution of Saints and seers in the freedom struggle of the nation as well as in the process of awakening of society and making it united. He pointed that it is due to greats like them that our culture has stood the test of time and has not been destroyed. “Hindu society has always produced saints, social reformers and people have followed their path & corrected the wrongs in society. A big name in that is that of Sree Narayana Guru Swamy,” he stated.
Shri Modi pointed that the two big problems the world faces today are that of terrorism and global warming and if we follow the path of our saints and seers they can be easily mitigated. He added that while our Saints and seers made efforts to reduce untouchability in society, untouchability increased in politics. Shri Modi also spoke about the commitment of our saints towards empowerment of women.
Giving another instance of Sree Narayana Guru’s far-sightedness, Shri Modi shared, “When the British were ruling us, there was a slave mindset. The British wanted to increase the spread of English to enhance this. That time many resisted this but Sree Narayanan Guru said we should learn English and give a fitting answer to the British in their own language. This was the courage he had.”
Shri Modi pointed out that it is believed that the 21st century is India’s century and that we are the world’s most youthful nation. However, this demographic dividend can only be realized if we strengthen our youth with relevant skills. “Those nations who want to progress are talking about one thing- skill development. Today even the world’s prosperous nations are talking about it (skill development). President Obama spoke about it after getting elected. In India, the Centre is talking about the same thing. I am proud that on 21st April the Prime Minister gave Gujarat an Award of Excellence for Gujarat’s initiatives in skill development.”
In this regard, Shri Modi added that while the prosperous nations of the world are talking about skill development today, Sree Narayana Guru talked about it a century ago and made efforts in that direction. The Chief Minster also showered praise on Sree Narayana Guru for giving the inspiring Mantra of “Ek Jan, Ek Desh, Ek Devata” (One people, One Nation and One God). He affirmed, “He dreamt of an India bound by love. There was a time when there was heavy competition to build grand temples. Sree Narayanan Guru did something different. He called for small temples and gave the message that Almighty is everywhere.
Shri Modi received a very warm welcome in Kerala. His speech was viewed widely across television and the Internet. A large number of viewers from the Gulf countries heard Shri Modi speak on the occasion. Shri Modi spoke in Hindi and Kerala BJP President Shri Murleedharan translated it into Malayalam.
