The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Thursday addressed the 146th Jayanti celebrations of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in New Delhi, underscoring the enduring relevance of the sage’s teachings in contemporary life. The occasion was marked by the release of a commemorative coin in honour of Sri Ramana Maharshi, paying tribute to one of modern India’s most revered spiritual masters.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi as a towering spiritual figure who occupies a unique place in India’s civilisational and philosophical heritage. While many saints practiced renunciation, he noted, Ramana Maharshi stood apart for remaining unattached even to the ideal of renunciation itself.
According to Shri Radhakrishnan, the life of Ramana Maharshi exemplified India’s timeless pursuit of truth, self-knowledge, and liberation from inner limitations. His spiritual journey, rooted in silence and introspection, continues to inspire seekers across cultures and continents.
Atma Vichara and Universal Appeal
Highlighting the sage’s central teaching of Atma Vichara, or Self-enquiry, the Vice-President said Ramana Maharshi consistently guided seekers inward, urging them to discover the source of the “I” within. This inward journey, he observed, transcends religious boundaries and has given Ramana Maharshi a truly global following.
The Vice-President emphasised that the Maharshi’s teachings affirm the unity of all spiritual paths. Whether through devotion, knowledge, meditation, or selfless service, all sincere pursuits ultimately lead to the same Truth, he said, reiterating the sage’s belief that while modes of worship may differ, the divine reality remains one.
Relevance in a Changing World
Drawing attention to the contemporary significance of Ramana Maharshi’s philosophy, Shri Radhakrishnan said that principles of self-awareness, inner discipline, and ethical living are increasingly important in today’s fast-changing and complex world. He noted that these values have a direct bearing on leadership, governance, and responsible citizenship.
The Vice-President added that inner clarity, as taught by Ramana Maharshi, can help individuals and institutions respond to modern challenges with wisdom rather than impulse.
Compassion Beyond Humanity
Shri Radhakrishnan also spoke about the Maharshi’s profound compassion, which extended beyond human beings to animals and all living creatures. This universal empathy, he said, resonates deeply with India’s age-old ethos of harmony with nature and respect for all forms of life.
Such compassion, the Vice-President observed, remains a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of existence, a principle central to Indian spiritual thought.
Role of Sri Ramana Ashram
The Vice-President lauded the contributions of Sri Ramana Ashram in Tiruvannamalai and Ramana Kendras in India and abroad for preserving and spreading the sage’s teachings. He appreciated the Ashram’s community service initiatives, including free medical dispensaries, distribution of meals to sadhus and the underprivileged, and efforts toward environmental conservation.
Recalling history, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that Mahatma Gandhi, during the freedom movement, often encouraged freedom fighters to visit the Ashram to gain inner strength, clarity, and solace during trying times.
Commemorative Coin as a Lasting Tribute
Describing the commemorative coin released by the Ministry of Finance as a fitting tribute, the Vice-President said it honours both the spiritual legacy of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and the historic role of Sri Ramana Ashram. He remarked that the coin would serve not merely as a numismatic honour, but as a lasting reminder of India’s rich spiritual heritage.
Call to Live the Teachings
Extending greetings and best wishes to devotees and followers in India and abroad, the Vice-President said the true homage to a sage like Sri Ramana Maharshi lies not merely in celebration, but in striving to embody the values he lived by simplicity, kindness, and self-awareness.
He expressed hope that the Maharshi’s teachings would continue to guide the nation toward greater harmony, wisdom, and inner strength.
The event was attended by Dr. Venkat S. Ramanan, President of Sri Ramana Ashramam, Tiruvannamalai, Justice K. Ramamoorthy (Retd.), President of Ramana Kendra Delhi, and several other distinguished guests.