Varkala: The Vice-President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday, said that Adi Sankaracharya and Sree Narayana Guru are Kerala's most significant contributions to humanity. He was speaking at the inaugural event of the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at Sivagiri, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram.

He spoke at the event after offering prayers and paying reverential homage at the sacred Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala.

The event included the release of four books: "The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru", authored by Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament; "Sree Narayana Gurudeva Divya Leelamrutham", written by Brahmasree Swami Satchidananda; "Naam Arivakunnu", prepared by the University of Kerala as part of the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage Workshop; and "Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru's Philosophy of Education and Skill Development", authored by Prof (Dr) Prakash Divakaran and Dr Suresh Kumar Madhushudhan.

Speaking at the event, Radhakrishnan highlighted how Guru upheld faith without surrendering reason, rejected unquestioning belief, and welcomed rational inquiry, which, according to Radhakrishnan, made him not only a saint of his time but a guide for the future.

Noting that Indian spirituality has always placed love as the highest form of worship, the Vice-President pointed out that Narayana Guru lived this philosophy through action, demonstrating that service to society is greater than ritual and that love towards fellow human beings is the purest form of devotion.

Radhakrishnan also said that the Indian Government's initiatives, such as PRASAD, Vande Bharat trains and the development of spiritual circuits, have helped strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure in the country.

He is also calling upon citizens, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and justice. 

Concluding his address, he expressed confidence that the wisdom emanating from Sivagiri would continue to guide India towards a future marked by social justice, dignity, and universal brotherhood.

The event was also attended by the Governor of Kerala, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Minister MB Rajesh and MP Shashi Tharoor.