“Sri Karunakara Guru Gifted the World a Vision of Humanity” – Kerala CM
Photo Caption: CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates Navapoojitham at Shantigiri Ashram, joined by Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally, Swami Chaitanya Jnana Tapaswi, Swami Gururethnam Jnanathapaswi, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, and other dignitaries.
Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram | August 28, 2025
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Navapoojitham celebrations at Santhigiri Ashram, commemorating the birth anniversary of Navjyothi Sri Karunakara Guru. In his keynote address, the CM praised the Guru’s legacy as a beacon of humanism and spiritual reform, emphasizing his role in strengthening Kerala’s secular and cultural fabric.
“Sri Karunakara Guru’s era followed the Renaissance movement. He taught harmony among religions and respect for all faiths equally. His compassion for the suffering, his emphasis on healthcare, and his spiritual path created a unique legacy,” said the Chief Minister.
A Message of Unity Beyond Religion
The Guru envisioned a society rooted in freedom, equality, and fraternity—transcending religious boundaries. His ideal, “Everything for everyone,” was highlighted as a profound call for inclusive progress. The CM also criticized attempts to distort the values of Renaissance leaders, warning against divisive politics that exploit religion and caste.
“Kerala stands apart because here, temple festivals, church feasts, and mosque celebrations are threads of the same fabric. Only in Kerala do we see Pongala in mosque courtyards and Iftar in temple grounds,” he added.
Dignitaries Share Reflections
The event, chaired by Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally, featured CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan as chief guest. He emphasized that true believers are never communal and that Sri Karunakara Guru’s philosophy centers on humanity as the essence of all religions.
KPCC President Sunny Joseph MLA delivered the main address, stating, “Instead of walls that divide minds, we need links that unite people—this is the message of Santhigiri.”
Interfaith Harmony on Display
The ceremony was attended by a diverse group of spiritual and political leaders, including:
- Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi (Ashram President)
- Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi (General Secretary)
- Swami Shubangananda (Sivagiri Mutt)
- Dr. V.P. Suhaib Maulavi (Palayam Imam)
- Bishop Mathews Mar Silvasius (Believers Eastern Church)
- Fr. Shibu O Plavila (Mar Thoma Church)
- Imam Faisal As’hari (Aluva)
- Adv. S. Suresh (BJP State General Secretary)
- Palode Ravi (Former Deputy Speaker)
- Adv. M. Muneer, Dr. G.R. Kiran, Dr. Mathews K. Lukose, and others
Upcoming Events – August 29, 2025
- 5:00 AM – Worship, Special Floral Tribute, Flag Hoisting
- 10:00 AM – Navapoojitham Conference inaugurated by Minister G.R. Anil
- 12:00 PM – Guru Darshan, Offerings, and Annadanam
- 2:30 PM – Cultural Conference inaugurated by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal
- 7:30 PM – Navapoojitham Message by Swami Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi
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