New Delhi, February 19: Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday released the book “The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” authored by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event highlighted the enduring relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings in shaping a just and inclusive society.
The Vice-President emphasized that documenting the lives of spiritual reformers is essential to preserving India’s civilisational memory. He said such works strengthen the intellectual and moral foundations of the nation.
According to the official release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the event underscored the continuing relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings in contemporary India.
Reflecting on the Guru’s legacy, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that Sree Narayana Guru confronted social injustice with wisdom and compassion. Through inclusive temple consecrations and the promotion of education, he challenged entrenched discrimination while advocating peaceful reform.
The Vice-President recalled his visit to Sivagiri Mutt last year and described it as a sacred space that inspires individuals to embrace equality and mutual respect. He observed that the Guru’s teachings continue to guide India’s efforts toward inclusive development and social harmony.
Quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said that Sree Narayana Guru’s ideals serve as a roadmap for social justice and efforts to eliminate discrimination. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from the Guru’s message to build a more equitable society.
India’s Spiritual Heritage and National Unity
The Vice-President placed Sree Narayana Guru in the broader context of India’s spiritual renaissance. He said that saints and reformers such as Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya reshaped society by challenging superstition and restoring dignity to every citizen.
He remarked that the intellectual and spiritual contributions of Adi Shankaracharya played a decisive role in unifying the country’s philosophical traditions. Without such reformers, he suggested, India’s cultural unity would have taken a very different course.
He stressed that India’s civilisational strength lies in its capacity for self-renewal through reform and introspection. Books that chronicle the lives of such figures, he added, ensure that younger generations remain connected to their roots.
Commending Dr. Shashi Tharoor
Shri Radhakrishnan praised Dr. Shashi Tharoor for bringing Sree Narayana Guru’s life and philosophy to a global audience. He described Dr. Tharoor as a distinguished diplomat, parliamentarian and author whose writings have enriched public discourse.
The Vice-President also noted Dr. Tharoor’s leadership of an All-Party Delegation during Operation Sindoor, which conveyed India’s unified message of zero tolerance toward terrorism. He said such initiatives reflect the spirit of national unity that reformers like Sree Narayana Guru advocated.
The book, he observed, sheds light on the Guru’s emphasis on self-respect, honest labour and social empowerment. These values, he said, helped uplift marginalized communities and laid the groundwork for long-term socio-economic transformation.
Role of SNDP Yogam and Continuing Legacy
The Vice-President highlighted the role of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, established in 1903, in carrying forward the Guru’s mission. Through education, institution-building and social reform, the organisation has contributed to community development and empowerment.
He expressed confidence that the newly released book would encourage deeper research and critical engagement with India’s spiritual traditions. He called upon youth and scholars to examine the reformist movements that shaped modern India.
Concluding his address, Shri Radhakrishnan urged citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals of equality, unity and education. He said that the vision articulated by Sree Narayana Guru, reinforced by scholarly works such as this book, would continue to inspire the nation to build a society rooted in justice and harmony.