Launch of book “The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” by Dr. Shashi Tharoor

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata, the most powerful and the most merciful. Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha – Dr. Shashi Tharoor Ji, Managing Director, Aleph Book Company – Mr. David Davidar Ji, Other Dignitaries on the dais.
It gives me immense pleasure to address you all on the occasion of the launch of the book “The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” by Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji. Sree Narayana Guru Ji rose as a spiritual guide at a time when caste divisions and social discrimination were deeply rooted.  His immortal spiritual message, “One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind,” also served as a revolutionary call for equality, dignity, and universal brotherhood. He challenged injustice with wisdom and compassion through initiatives such as temple consecrations, which were open to all, and also by promoting education.

I can also tell you, surely, it is only because of Sree Narayana Guru Ji that there is Sanatana Dharma in Kerala. Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji had accompanied me during my visit to the Sivagiri Mutt in December last year. Sivagiri is not just a place on the map. It is one of the holiest places. By visiting the place, you will get the inspiration to treat everyone equally and with dignity. I can say that this book is truly blessed since it was released on the sacred soil of the Sivagiri Mutt.

India’s spiritual heritage is not merely a matter of faith; it is the living foundation of our cultural and social evolution. For centuries, countless saints have travelled across Bharat, carrying the light of knowledge, compassion, and dharma to every corner of the land. Be it the traditions of Adi Shankaracharya Ji, or the traditions of Ramanujaacharya Ji, or the traditions of Sree Narayana Guru Ji – they reshaped the society through their spiritual preaching. They challenged injustice, removed superstition, strengthened the philosophical thought, and restored the dignity to every citizen.

Yet, the contributions of many Hindu saints and philosophers have not been adequately or systematically recorded, especially in the international languages. Much of their wisdom remains scattered in regional languages, oral traditions, temple records, and community memories. The absence of books on the contributions of these saints has created a gap in global academic discourse. As a result, global audiences and even younger generations in India often remain unaware of the depth and impact of their great holy work. I commend and congratulate Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji for writing this book on Sree Narayana Guru, which will expand the reach of our heritage.

Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji is a distinguished diplomat, parliamentarian, and celebrated author. He has enriched public discourse with clarity, wit, and historical depth. His mastery of language and ability to interpret India’s civilisational heritage are reflected in the many books that have been authored by him. Whether addressing Parliament or engaging youth, or writing on democracy, culture, and nationalism, Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji brings to the table intellectual honesty and moral courage. During the Operation Sindoor, Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji led an All Party Delegation to important countries to project our national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms. He carried forth to the world our country’s strong message of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji has rendered a powerful biography of Sree Narayana Guru Ji, throwing light on a sage whose teachings are for all ages. Sree Narayana Guru Ji also emphasized attaining self respect through work for transforming the status of the disadvantaged. In his message, Sree Narayana Guru Ji advocated that honest labour, regardless of its nature, should be elevated to a position of profound dignity.  The book elaborates how the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, established in 1903, carried forward Guru Ji’s mission in an organized manner.

The SNDP movement became a powerful instrument of social transformation. It promoted education, built institutions, encouraged economic upliftment, and instilled confidence among marginalized communities. Our Honourable Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji had said that “Guru Ji’s teachings are not just spiritual, they are a roadmap for social justice.” Shriman Modi Ji had emphasised that the Guru Ji’s teachings are guiding India’s current efforts to eliminate discrimination and empower the marginalised communities and promote inclusive development through initiatives like Skill India and Housing for the Deprived. The enduring relevance of Sree Narayana Guru Ji’s message in modern times at the highest levels of governance to frame the national priorities has been beautifully captured in this book.

Books preserve truth. They protect legacy from distortion. It will inspire scholars to research deeply, youth to think critically, and the society to act responsibly. If we do not document our spiritual and social reformers with depth and scholarship, we risk losing a vital part of our civilisational memory.

I appreciate Shri Shashi Tharoor Ji for writing this book, which will serve as a bridge between generations. He has broken the barriers of Caste, Sect and Community and made an immense contribution to carry forward the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru Ji. The book allows us to hear the voice of our great saint Sree Narayana Guru Ji from across centuries. As we remember the great contributions of Sree Narayana Guru Ji today, let us commit ourselves to the ideals of equality, unity, and education. The vision of Sree Narayana Guru Ji, strengthened by the SNDP movement and articulated by voices like Shashi Tharoor, will continue to inspire us to build a society rooted in justice, harmony, and human dignity.

Jai Hind!
Long Live Mother Bharat!