Sivagiri Is a Way of Life, Not Just a Pilgrimage: VP Radhakrishnan
C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage in Kerala, hails Sree Narayana Guru’s timeless message of equality
- Vice-President inaugurates the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Varkala, Kerala
- Calls Sivagiri a living philosophy of social awakening and human dignity
- Urges youth to draw inspiration from Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings
- Releases four books on the Guru’s life, philosophy and social impact
GG News Bureau
Varkala, 30th Dec: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, today inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, describing Sivagiri not merely as a pilgrimage site but as a living philosophy of social awakening envisioned by Sree Narayana Guru.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said 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 event, but as a movement for awakening through education, cleanliness, organisation, work, and self-respect.
Highlighting Sree Narayana Guru’s revolutionary message, Shri Radhakrishnan recalled the Guru’s timeless call — “One caste, one religion, one God for humankind” — which challenged centuries of discrimination and laid the foundation for dignity, equality and humaneness.
He said Sree Narayana Guru united faith with reason, rejected blind belief and welcomed rational inquiry, making his philosophy relevant not only for his time but for future generations. Calling Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru Kerala’s greatest gifts to the world, the Vice-President said their philosophies continue to inspire humanity.
Observing that pilgrimage in India is about transformation rather than tourism, he said Sivagiri exemplifies India’s civilisational ethos of harmony among faiths and universal brotherhood. He also referred to initiatives such as the PRASAD scheme, improved connectivity including Vande Bharat trains, and the development of spiritual circuits aimed at strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure across the country.
Urging the youth to draw inspiration from the Guru’s teachings, the Vice-President called upon citizens to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity and justice. He expressed confidence that the wisdom emanating from Sivagiri would continue to guide India towards a future rooted in social justice and human dignity.
Earlier, Radhakrishnan offered prayers at the Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru and released four books on the Guru’s life, philosophy and social contributions.
