Some noteworthy points in the Kerala Chief Minister’s speech at Sivagiri! – Part 2
(To Read Part 1 – Click Here)
Some people are claiming that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s speech at Sivagiri was entirely flawed. It is impossible to agree with that. As someone who listened to the full 35-minute inaugural address and also read the summary of key points published in Desabhimani (3/1/2025) under the headline ‘Guruvinte Ashayam Navayuga Manavika Dharmam’ (Guru’s Message of New Age Humanism), I can confidently say that this speech contained several valuable points that deserve recognition and should be acknowledged by all of us.
Similarly, there are many aspects of his arguments that we strongly disagree with. Similarly, there are many aspects of his arguments that strongly disagree with. The reality is that these are mistakes caused by widespread misconceptions (or brainwashing) prevalent in Kerala. By pointing out the facts, we can try to correct this misinformation campaign.
Both welcome and disagreeable points are being specifically mentioned.
Points that Deserve Recognition:
Amidst the controversies, many fail to notice some of the important points made by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan.
(1)The Chief Minister’s observation on religious terrorism is highly relevant.
“Reports are continually emerging daily from various parts of the world, showing how religious ideologies are evolving into extremism and, beyond that, terrorism. Racial divisions and the conflicts stemming from them are causing rivers of blood to flow in many regions. Racial divisions and the conflicts stemming from them are causing rivers of blood to flow in many regions. In every case, it is humanity that is being lost.
Who could disagree with such a truthful statement?
However, the Chief Minister should have also clarified which religious ideologies are currently leading humanity towards extremism and terrorism. He is criticizing “Sanatana Hindutva” in the name of a caste system that no longer exists and is followed by no one today. However, I believe the Chief Minister should have also maintained the honesty to point out which religious ideologies are the source of the real threat to today’s world — the rise of religious terrorism that is spreading rapidly.
Similarly, it was also an oversight to omit the name of Bangladesh from the list alongside Palestine, Afghanistan, and Manipur.
(2)How should ideologies be examined?
He says, “We should embrace an ideology only when it enlightens the world and improves human lives. If, however, that ideology causes people to suffer and struggle, it should naturally be discarded.”
An idea should be evaluated based on how beneficial it is to both the individual and society. This is the method of evaluation / analysis promoted by Sanathana Dharma and its philosophers. The criterion for determining truth in Sanatana Dharma itself is this practical evaluation found in the Swadhyaya tradition. (Anubandha Chatushtaya – the associated fourfold: Vishaya (Subject), Sambandha (Relationship), Prayojana (Benefit), Adhikari (the qualified seeker)). This is also what Sri Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizes.
If we assess truth honestly in this way, many religions and political ideologies will inevitably have to be rejected.
(3)Sri Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledges the significance of Sri Narayana Guru, the contemporary relevance of Guru Dharma, and the importance of Sivagiri pilgrimage.
The Chief Minister’s speech acknowledged the relevance and significance of Shri Narayana Guru, Sivagiri, and the importance of the Sivagiri pilgrimage.
“The timeless Guru Dharma is spreading light to the world.” He continues, “Many ideas have faded into obscurity because they were not adapted to the times. However, the ideas of Sri Narayana Guru continue to illuminate the world, transcending the millennium in which he was born and lived. This is the greatness of Sri Narayana Guru.”
The greatness of the Sivagiri pilgrimage –
“The Sivagiri pilgrimage, guided by the teachings of that transformative visionary, thus attains its greatness. What is the purpose of the Sivagiri pilgrimage? Guru had a clear understanding of this. Much like Buddha’s Eightfold Path, Guru outlined eight principles. Education, cleanliness, devotion to God, organization, agriculture, trade, handicrafts, and technical training — these are the eight principles that each Sivagiri pilgrim should consider as their goal. When Guru spoke of this, it is clear that he aimed not only at the prosperity of the individual community but also at the overall development of society. Guru advised acquiring knowledge and achieving economic self-sufficiency. He emphasized the importance of gaining technical knowledge as well. The vision embedded in this is truly one of remarkable foresight!”
Only those who maintain blind political opposition can criticize the Chief Minister’s views. He further asserts that Kerala is following the path recommended by Guru.
“Let me proudly say that the state is currently moving along this very path. By elevating the education sector to global standards, leading the region towards agricultural self-sufficiency, initiating special campaigns for waste management, and strengthening the organic connection between education and industry, the state government is moving forward along the enlightened path of Guru. The message of Guru was one of human compassion.”
That is, the Chief Minister declares that the state government is also following the path suggested by Guru!
(4)Pinarayi corrects EMS!
The statements of Pinarayi Vijayan represent a clear deviation from the stance of the old CPM intellectuals. The views of Shri E.M.S. Namboodiripad, who was an expert in Marxist philosophy, was completely opposed to all of this.
A)EMS stayed away from Sivagiri x Pinarayi inaugurated the Sivagiri Annual Pilgrimage
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was invited to the Sivagiri Mutt, inaugurated the grand pilgrimage assembly. However, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, the ideological guide of the CPM, was not even willing to attend the event held at Sivagiri 29 years ago. The Mutt authorities had invited E.M.S. to the Sivagiri pilgrimage assembly in 1995, but he declined the invitation. While receiving an invitation to the Sivagiri pilgrimage conference and participating in it is considered an honor by central and state authorities, political leaders, and cultural figures, he consciously chose to avoid the event.
B)“Guru is irrelevant and the Sivagiri pilgrimage is meaningless “said EMS x Pinarayi highlights the significance and greatness of both Guru and the Sivagiri pilgrimage
Explaining the reason for not accepting the invitation to Sivagiri, E.M.S. wrote in the Desabhimani Weekly: “I cannot agree with statements that his (Sree Narayana Guru’s) messages are still relevant and that Sree Narayana is guiding the future growth of Kerala. For people like me to appear as organizers or spokespersons of the Sree Narayana Movement and its pilgrimage events before the public would be unwise.” (Desabhimani Weekly, January 15-21, 1995).
E.M.S., the greatest Marxist philosopher Kerala has ever seen, openly declared in 1995 that he did not share the view that Sree Narayana Guru’s message is still relevant or that his ideas contribute to Kerala’s progress. However, within 30 years, Pinarayi Vijayan has reversed all these stances. As we approach the centenary of Guru’s samadhi (2028), the Chief Minister now asserts that not only society but also the government is being guided by Sree Narayana Guru even in this modern era.
E.M.S.’s views on this matter were previously propagated in publications such as Desabhimani Daily, Desabhimani Weekly, and Chintha Weekly. However, the headline of Desabhimani Daily (3/1/2025) now reads, “Timeless Guru Philosophy Beyond Caste and Religious Distinctions.” Articles that praise Guru’s teachings are now being featured in these publications!
This is a positive change. When we transition from E.M.S. to Pinarayi Vijayan over the course of three decades, shouldn’t we welcome the correction of past political stances and mistakes? Shouldn’t these shifts in perspective also be discussed amid the debates surrounding the Chief Minister’s speeches?
(5)Pinarayi says, “Kerala became Kerala because of Guru Dharma (Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings)!”
The Chief Minister stated, “This is the land where Guru lived and promoted humanity, and it is for this reason that communal hatred has not spread in Kerala to the terrifying extent it has elsewhere.”
Some politicians often claim that “Kerala remains Kerala” due to their own strength and prowess. However, the Chief Minister acknowledges that it is the ideas and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru that have shaped this reality. Isn’t this something worth welcoming?
(6)Pinarayi reminds us, “If anyone tries to confine Guru within the boundaries of a particular caste or religion and consecrate him within those limits, there is no greater criticism of Guru than this. Whatever Guru fought against, there will be efforts to present him as the spokesperson for those very things. That shouldn’t happen.”
We take the Chief Minister’s warning to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine Sree Narayana Guru and Guru Dharma seriously. This is also one of the reasons that we are writing this series of articles.
(To be continued…)