SHILLONG, Sep 10: NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla on Saturday recalled the teachings of mystic, saint, philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings, while attending the 19th Annual Celebration of Shillong-based sociocultural organisation, Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre (SNGCC), and 168th birth anniversary of Jagatpurush Sree Narayana Guru at Jingkieng.
The VC, in his address as the chief guest, said that the Guru had emphasized that it is more important to be a better human being and practice the virtues of one’s religion, while castigating that it is not right to push a particular religion and harp that is the only path to salvation.
Informing the gathering about Guru’s stance on gender equality, Prof. Shukla said that the Guru made special efforts in providing education to women and guided Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam towards emancipation of women by way of starting of schools with primary importance to girls.
On the occasion, three awards — casted after saint, philosopher, cosmologist, Sree Narayana Guru — were conferred upon unsung personalities from across the state.
On the occasion, prizes/certificates were given away to 28 students from seven Shillong-based secondary and higher secondary schools, who had participated in an essay writing competition organised by the SNGCC. During the programme, floral tributes were paid at the altar of Sree Narayana Guru and Daivadasakam (Universal Prayer), composed by Guru, was offered.
Other highlights of the programme include performance of Thiruvathira, a unique dance performed in Kerala, Shad Pliang or Plate Dance of Jaintia Hills, besides group dances and solo songs.
