NE NEWS SERVICE
SIVAGIRI (KERALA), DEC 30
The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, today inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala, underscoring the enduring relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings in shaping a just, inclusive and enlightened society.
Hon’ble Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala. Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar attended the event along with Shri Suresh Gopi, MoS, Shri M. B. Rajesh, Minister for LSGD & Shri Shashi Tharoor MP. pic.twitter.com/jXNrl5K2ll
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) December 30, 2025
Addressing a large gathering, the Vice-President said that “Sivagiri is not merely a pilgrimage; it is a way of life”, describing it as a living philosophy and a journey of social awakening envisioned by Sree Narayana Guru.
- “Sivagiri Is Not Merely a Pilgrimage; It Is a Way of Life,” says Vice-President
- “Kerala’s greatest gifts to the world are Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru”
- “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Humankind Still Echoes as a Moral Revolution”
- Faith, Reason and Social Reform Find Harmony in Guru’s Teachings
- Vice-President Urges Youth to Draw Inspiration from Sivagiri for a Just and Humane India
Sivagiri: Where Spirituality Walks with Social Responsibility
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Kerala.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that “Sivagiri is not merely a pilgrimage; it is a way of life”, describing it as a living philosophy and a… pic.twitter.com/PXCPAZgbX1
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 30, 2025
The Vice-President observed that Sivagiri symbolises the harmonious integration of spiritual seeking and social responsibility, where faith uplifts society and reason walks alongside devotion. He noted that the Sivagiri Pilgrimage was conceived not as a ritualistic exercise, but as a transformative movement centred on education, cleanliness, organisation, work and self-respect.
Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, offered prayers and paid reverential homage at the sacred Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala. pic.twitter.com/Go3fGVWdNF
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 30, 2025
A Single Question That Shook Centuries of Discrimination
Highlighting the Guru’s transformative impact, C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled the powerful question posed by Sree Narayana Guru: Why should one human being be treated as lesser than another? He said the Guru answered this injustice with words that shook entrenched hierarchies:
“One caste, one religion, one God for humankind.”
The Vice-President described the Guru’s revolution as calm, compassionate and irreversible, firmly rooted in dignity, equality and humaneness.
Faith Without Blindness, Spirituality with Reason
Emphasising Sree Narayana Guru’s intellectual depth, the Vice-President said that the Guru upheld faith without surrendering reason, rejected blind belief, and welcomed rational inquiry. This synthesis of spirituality and rationalism, he said, made Sree Narayana Guru not only a saint of his time, but a guide for the future.
Drawing from India’s civilisational ethos, he noted that Indian spirituality has always placed love as the highest form of worship, adding that the Guru lived this philosophy through action, demonstrating that service to society is greater than ritual, and love towards fellow human beings is the truest form of devotion.
Kerala’s Enduring Gifts to the World
The Vice-President stated that Kerala’s great gifts to the world are Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru, whose philosophies continue to inspire humanity across generations and geographies.
Observing that in India, pilgrimage is not tourism but transformation, he said that Sivagiri exemplifies this civilisational truth. Saints across centuries, he noted, travelled freely across regions and languages, reinforcing India’s enduring strength rooted in harmony among faiths.
Infrastructure, Harmony and the Youth of India
Referring to government initiatives, C. P. Radhakrishnan said pilgrimage infrastructure is being strengthened through schemes such as PRASAD, enhanced connectivity including Vande Bharat trains, and the development of spiritual circuits. From Kashi to Rameswaram, he said, these efforts foster harmony, unity and social cohesion.
Calling upon citizens, particularly the youth, the Vice-President urged them to draw inspiration from the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity and justice. Concluding his address, he expressed confidence that the wisdom emanating from Sivagiri would continue to guide India towards a future marked by social justice, dignity and universal brotherhood.
Homage, Book Releases and Dignitaries Present
Earlier, the Vice-President offered prayers and paid reverential homage at the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt.
On the occasion, he released four books:
- “The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” by Shashi Tharoor
- “Sree Narayana Gurudeva Divya Leelamrutham” by Brahmasree Swami Satchidananda
- “Naam Arivakunnu”, prepared by the University of Kerala
- “Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy of Education and Skill Development” by Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran and Dr. Suresh Kumar Madhushudhan
Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Kerala Minister M. B. Rajesh, Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, spiritual leaders, scholars, industrialist Sreedhar Vembu, and other dignitaries were present.
- The Vice-President pays homage at the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage.
- Vice-President releases books on the life, philosophy and legacy of Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Mutt.
