Pothencode (Thiruvananthapuram): Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru adopted a distinctive approach to spirituality, embracing people across caste and religious communities and dedicating himself to the welfare of humanity, said Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. The Minister was speaking after inaugurating Navapoojitham 99 at Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode.
Referring to India’s spiritual tradition, the Minister said ashrams and monasteries have played a significant role in the country’s history. While there have been spiritual leaders who dedicated their lives entirely to ashram life, Sree Karunakara Guru emerged as a distinctive voice in spirituality.
The Guru’s vision and services extended far beyond his birthplace, embracing diverse ideas and reaching people across the world. He not only imparted teachings for the welfare of humanity but also made significant contributions to the fields of education and healthcare, the Minister said.
The fact that people belonging to different religions and holding diverse perspectives can come together on a common platform to commemorate the Guru’s birthday is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of his vision, he added.
The Minister said the contributions of social reformers and religious leaders form an important part of the real story of Kerala. In a land that witnessed the lives and contributions of Sree Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swami and Ayyankali, NavajyothiSree Karunakara Guru stands as a spiritual leader whose vision can continue to inspire society. Santhigiri provides an opportunity to experience and understand these messages directly, he said.
The meeting was presided over by Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi, President of Santhigiri Ashram. Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary; Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxinos Episcopa, Bishop of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church; Dr. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Niranam Diocese of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church; Dr. V.P. Shuhaib Moulavi, Palayam Imam; Dr. Kuriakose Mor Theophilos, Metropolitan of the Thiruvananthapuram Region of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church; Bishop Mathews Mar Silvanos Episcopa, Believers Eastern Church; Swami Asanganandagiri of Sivagiri Mutt; and Pachalloor Abdul Saleem Moulavi were present.
The Navapoojitham souvenir was released by G.R. Anil MLA, who handed over the first copy to Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh.
Swami Bhaktadathan Jnana Thapaswi, State Cooperative Union Chairman Koliyakode N. Krishnan Nair, former MLA Palode Ravi, BJP National Executive Committee Member P.K. Krishnadas, The Pioneer Chairman Bandi Sudhakar Goud, NIMS Medicity Managing Director M.S. Faisal Khan, Mohandas Group of Educational Institutions Director Rani Mohandas, Acts General Secretary George Sebastian, Sajan Veloor, Deepa Anil, Sabir Thirumala, Koshi M. George, Adv. R. Anil, Balaji Sharma, E.A. Saleem, Adv. Vembayam Anil Kumar, Koliyakode Mahendran, Usha B., Kirandas K., Jayanthi Gopalakrishnan, Shashindradev K., Manu V.J., and Shanthipriya R. also spoke at the function.
The Navapoojitham celebrations began at 5 a.m. with prayer ceremonies and a special floral offering by the Sannyasi Sangham. Flag hoisting was held at 6 a.m., followed by floral offerings at 7 a.m. Guru Darshan and various offerings were held at 10.30 a.m., followed by Annadanam in the afternoon.