SHILLONG: “The philosophy of mystic saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru’s basic principles has been about oneness,” said NEHU vice-chancellor SK Srivastava who lauded city-based socio-cultural organisation Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC), for serving the cause of education.
Srivastava was speaking as the chief guest duing the 16th annual celebration of SNGCC and the 165th birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru at the Oneness Center in Jingkieng on Sunday.
Srivastava also lauded the SNGCC for inculcating skills such as entrepreneurship, oneness and humanity among the youth.
Quoting the Sanskrit phrase from the Maha Upanishad, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning the “world is one family”, Srivastava said, “Let this extend beyond the shores and realise the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in a very effective manner.”
“Each one of us should do our bit,” he said and concluded by saying that Sree Narayana Guru’s concept of oneness is “infinite and accommodated all humanity and with such principles we can achieve happiness and various objectives in our life”.
He also appreciated the stories of those who were awarded on the occasion including the students.
Chanting a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Srivastava said, “We all care with empathy, not sympathy. Even in science we have the wave theory and unification theory.”
Others who spoke on the occasion were Regional Director, NER, Shillong, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, N Munish Singh, former home minister RG Lyngdoh, president, Universal Confederation of Sree Narayana Guru Organizations, New Delhi, VK Mohamed and president, SNGCC, Shillong, MK Mohanan.
A cultural programme sponsored by ICCR was also presented on the occasion.