VP Radhakrishnan Hails Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Teachings at 146th Jayanti

• Vice-President addresses 146th Jayanti celebrations in New Delhi
• Commemorative coin released in honour of Sri Ramana Maharshi
• Highlights relevance of Atma Vichara in modern life and governance
• Lauds Sri Ramana Ashram’s spiritual and social service work

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd Jan: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday addressed the 146th Jayanti celebrations of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in New Delhi and released a commemorative coin in honour of the revered spiritual sage, highlighting the enduring relevance of his teachings for inner awareness and responsible living.

Speaking at the समारोह, the Vice-President described Sri Ramana Maharshi as one of the most revered spiritual masters of modern India, who holds a distinguished place in the country’s spiritual and civilisational heritage. He said that while many saints lived lives of renunciation, what made Ramana Maharshi unique was his complete detachment even from the ideal of renunciation itself.

Shri Radhakrishnan said that Ramana Maharshi’s life and teachings reflect India’s timeless quest for truth, self-knowledge and inner freedom. He highlighted Maharshi’s central teaching of Atma Vichara (Self-enquiry), noting that it has inspired spiritual seekers across the world and established him as one of India’s most universally respected sages.

Emphasising the contemporary relevance of his message, the Vice-President said Maharshi’s teachings on self-awareness and inner discipline are especially meaningful in today’s fast-changing world, including in the spheres of leadership, governance and responsible citizenship. He noted that Ramana Maharshi affirmed the unity of all spiritual paths — devotion, knowledge, meditation and selfless service — as ultimately leading to the same Truth.

The Vice-President also underlined Maharshi’s compassion for all living beings, saying his concern for humans, animals and nature reflects India’s civilisational values of universal harmony and coexistence.

He lauded the role of Sri Ramana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai, and Ramana Kendras in India and abroad for preserving and spreading Maharshi’s teachings. He also appreciated the Ashram’s community service initiatives, including free medical dispensaries, meals for sadhus and the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts. Recalling history, he noted that Mahatma Gandhi often encouraged freedom fighters to visit the Ashram for strength and clarity during the freedom movement.

Calling the release of the commemorative coin by the Ministry of Finance a fitting tribute, Shri Radhakrishnan said it honours both the spiritual legacy of Sri Ramana Maharshi and the historic contribution of Sri Ramana Ashram. He said the coin would serve as a lasting reminder of India’s rich spiritual heritage and its message of inner awakening to the world.

Extending greetings to devotees and followers in India and abroad, the Vice-President said true homage to a sage like Ramana Maharshi lies not merely in celebration, but in striving to live by his values of simplicity, self-awareness and kindness.

The event was attended by Dr. Venkat S. Ramanan, President of Sri Ramana Ashramam, Tiruvannamalai; Justice K. Ramamoorthy (Retd.), President of Ramana Kendra Delhi; and other dignitaries.