Syllabus: GS1/ Modern History
Context
- PM Modi inaugurated the centenary celebration of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
- The dialogue was held on March 12, 1925, at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala.
About
- The conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi is remembered for its deep engagement with key issues of the time;
- Vaikom Satyagraha,
- the question of religious conversions,
- the principle of non-violence,
- the abolition of untouchability, and
- the upliftment of marginalised communities.
Views of Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi
| Issue | Sree Narayana Guru | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Religious Conversions | Opposed conversions; stressed reform within Hinduism. | Opposed conversions; promoted staying within Hindu fold. |
| Non-Violence | Practical approach; supported it but not absolute. | Treated non-violence as a core, universal principle. |
| Untouchability | Denied any religious basis; demanded total abolition. | Called it a sin; sought gradual reform from within. |
| Upliftment of Marginalised | Emphasized education and economic self-reliance. | Focused on moral upliftment and spiritual dignity. |
| About Vaikom Satyagraha – Cause: The movement was initiated against the practice of untouchability. 1. In Vaikom in the erstwhile Travancore princely State, members of the lower castes, particularly Dalits, were denied the right to walk on roads leading to the Vaikom Shiva Temple. – Leadership: It was led by T.K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan, and other prominent leaders. 1. Mahatma Gandhi also supported the cause, sending his advice, although he did not physically participate in the protests initially. 2. E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, a prominent social reformer and leader of the Self-Respect Movement, also lent support to the movement. |
About Sree Narayana Guru
- Sree Narayana Guru was a philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer in India.
- He led a reform movement against the injustice in the caste-ridden society of Kerala in order to promote spiritual enlightenment and social equality.
- He founded institutions like the Sharada Mutt at Sivagiri to promote education, spirituality, and social upliftment.
- His slogan, “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All,” is a cornerstone of his philosophy and a widely recognized saying in Kerala.
- Important work: Daiva Dasakam, Nivritti Panchakam, and Atmopadesa Satakam.
Legacy of the Dialogue
- The Gurus’ decisive stance spurred Gandhi to prioritize the Harijan mission in India’s freedom struggle.
- Their meeting reinforced the principle that true social upliftment demands peaceful protest.
- The emphasis on education and economic progress became central to both reformers’ visions.
Source: DD NEWS
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