SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor, V Shanmuganathan presented a beautiful picture of the unique tradition and culture of the tribesmen inhabiting the Northeastern region of India at the recent 83rd Annual Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Varkala, Kerala.
Addressing the gathering, the Meghalaya Governor invited the devotees to the Northeast.
He told the congregation the meaning of “divinity is within you” by citing “mirror and lamp installation” by the great saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru at temple consecrations.
“Instead of installing any idol, Sree Narayana Guru installed a mirror and a lamp to let people realize that divinity is within all of us. Guru said that God lives in the hearts of the seekers. We need to evoke that divinity within us,” he said adding that the Guru has made us understand this fact is his own simple way.
The Governor also appreciated the efforts of Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC), Shillong, a socio-cultural organization with a philanthropic bent, to unite everyone in the light of Guru’s “teachings on oneness” and said that his “teachings are essential to bring oneness in society”.
On the occasion, the SNGCC President, MK Mohanan requested the Universal Confederation of Sree Narayana Guru Organizations that the teachings of the Guru should not remained confined only to the Keralites.
“Guru’s words of wisdom need to be translated in English, Hindi besides Tamil, Kannad and Telugu,” he said.
While striking an important cord that is afflicting the society in Kerala and other societies in the country, he emphasized on Guru’s “Liquor is poison, do not make it, do not give it, do not drink it” and observed that it should not only be implemented by the Government of Kerala but by individuals, too. In this regard, he pointed to the words of Swami Vivekananda, who once said,
“No amount of force, or government, or legislative remedy will change the condition of a race, but it is spiritual culture and ethical culture alone that can change wrong racial tendencies for the better.”
He even referred to what the Governor said about the northeastern region and said that when we make our homes we place our puja room on the northeastern side, as per Vastu.
“For a nation also the northeastern side is the most sacred place and it is the responsibility of all Indians to make this region prosper,” he said.
