By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: “There is one humanity which has one objective that is, one god and one truth,” said Governor RS Mooshahary, recalling Jagatpurush Sree Narayana Guru on the occasion of his 158th birth anniversary. The anniversary was observed by the city based Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC) at Anton Hall on Sunday.
Enlightening the august gathering, Mooshahary said that Kerala has produced several spiritual leaders over the centuries. “Kerala has been the spiritual and religious capital of India as we have almost all the religions living there and it is believed that the first mosque in India was built in Kerala besides Christianity came to that state in 52 AD whereas Islam was there since the 7th century,” he said. Informing further that the state had a severe practice of caste in the past on which Swami Vivekananda had even remarked that the state is a “lunatic asylum”, the governor said that Kerala had made remarkable progress to become a vibrant state now where all religions live in harmony.
He also spoke about the rich presence of atheism in Kerala society and how the state government there has addressed that with an initiative “Temple Entry Right Act” way back in the 1930s. While recalling the life of Narayana Guru who had to face immense hardships, such as, not being allowed to enter the temple, read Sanskrit etc. But he overcame all that to change the course of humanity which thrives on unity and the whole world is now after his teaching. “The synthesis of all religion is unity and that was what Narayana Guru preached and practiced, the oneness,” he said.
The governor, who has a deep knowledge of Sanskrit Shlokas, used frequently during his speech. He also gave a rich explanation of the term “Brahman” according to the religious belief and said that one does not attain the qualities of Brahman by only taking birth in that sect.
Former Home Minister RG Lyngdoh said that the life and teachings of Narayana Guru can be a role model for everyone because he had a moral courage and conviction to speak against the odds.
Meanwhile, on the occasion the SNGCC also gave away its three main annual awards in the field of social service, culture and entrepreneurship to promising individuals who have changed the society around them in a big way. The entrepreneurship award was bestowed upon Q Thangkhiew for her undying love for flower, which has helped her in taking it up as a business opportunity and later formed her Floriculture Nursery.
The cultural award was conferred to Sukhdev Singh, who is in his 20s and took to dancing besides being a salesman by profession. Through dancing he found a meaning in his life and a source of inner sustenance that prompted him to form the Khalsa Dancing Institute, which has several students now. The award was given to him in recognition of his efforts for peace and harmony and providing opportunities to youths. The social service award was bestowed upon Deborah Wankhar for her immense contribution for the upliftment of the physically challenged in the state. Besides these awards, ten underprivileged school students from all over the city were provided with monetary benefits.
VK Mohammed, In-charge, Narayana Guru Cultural Centre, Bhillai was a special invitee who spoke at length about Narayana Guru who believed in attaining freedom through religion as he had the vision of character and nation building. MK Mohanam, President, SNGCC gave the opening address.