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The All India Mudaliar Pillaimar Association (AIMPA) has urged the government to construct a memorial hall at Marunthuvaz Malai in Kanniyakumari to honour the contributions and legacy of social reformer Sri Narayana Guru.
The 172nd birth anniversary of spiritual leader Sri Narayana Guru was celebrated at the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Mutt at Marunthuvaz Malai. The event, organised by AIMPA, was presided over by its president Om Sakthi Ramachandran. State treasurer Ravi Mudaliar was present as the chief guest, while vice-president Ramachandra Kumar welcomed the gathering.
Earlier, Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Mutt secretary Arupananda Swamiji and Srimath Siva Svarupananda Swamiji inaugurated the Vedic rituals and special prayers. Special worship and pujas were performed for Sri Narayana Guru. Devotees from across Tamil Nadu paid floral tributes and offered their respects. A book was also released on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, State President Om Sakthi Ramachandran said, “Although Sri Narayana Guru was born in Kerala, he belongs to the Tamil people as well. He was well-versed in Thevaram and Thiruvasagam. He also held enriching discussions on the Tamil language with Manonmaniam Sundaranar, who authored the Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
“Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote India’s national anthem, praised Sri Narayana Guru as a person unlike anyone else he had encountered in his lifetime. Mahatma Gandhi also praised Sri Narayana Guru, considering it a privilege to have stayed at his ashram and met him.
“To ensure that people across Tamil Nadu learn about Sri Narayana Guru, the Tamil Nadu Government should officially honour him on his birth anniversary and declare the day a public holiday throughout the State. A memorial hall should also be constructed at Marunthuvaz Malai, where he attained samadhi, to commemorate his contributions. We are ready to extend all necessary support for the project.”
State, regional and district-level office-bearers, along with members of the youth and women’s wings, participated in the event.
Organisation secretary Nithya Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.