Shri K.V. Abdul Khader, Member of Legislative Assembly

Shri K. Muraleedharan, Member of Legislative Assembly

Dr P.R. Krishnakumar, Chancellor, Avinashilingam University

Adv.  Therambil Ramakrishnan, former Speaker,

Adv. M. Murali,

Bhaktha Janangale,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Priyappetta Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

I am very happy to inaugurate this Session dedicated to the sacred memory of the late Aanjam Madhavan Namboothiri, better known as the most revered Thirunamacharya, held as part of his Birth Centenary Celebration.

       Let me at the outset, compliment the Thirunamacharya Birth Centenary Celebration Committee chaired by Shri Sanmayananda Saraswathi for organizing throughout the year, several programmes that highlight the values that the saintly Thirunamacharya always upheld through his words and deeds.

       As we all know, the discourses of Thirunamacharya have inspired hundreds of devotees all over India. The various stages of his life were also valuable lessons on the transition of an ordinary human being, first to one with a revolutionary zeal and then to a saintly figure whose wisdom enriched the lives of so many people.

       The story of the birth of Aanjam Madhavan Namboothiri as the son of a Rig Veda scholar in 1919 and his initial reluctance to learn the Vedas are too well known to be recounted here.  But, what was striking in his personality was his strong desire to acquire knowledge and to use that knowledge for spreading the light of wisdom in society.

       Though he could not join a school because no one was willing to sign as his guardian, the young Madhavan Namboothiri learned Sanskrit and Malayalam and used the library of his locality to enrich his knowledge.  This was ample proof of his determination to involve in social activities especially those that helped in reforming his own community.  By that time, the young Madhavan Namboothiri was already influenced by Jaiprakash Narayan's book, Why socialism?

I have wondered how a person armed with the ideals of socialism could be so smoothly transformed into one who excelled in religious discourses. The young Aanjam Madhavan Namboothiri, who was inspired by Socialism, was not a believer and even had a scornful expression to the concept of faith in God. But, interestingly, Srimad Bhagavatham's contention that resentment and hatred were at times more powerful than meek piety in pleasing God, proved true in his case.  His association with the Guruvayur Temple and his understanding about how devotion could transform human minds brought about a sea-change in him.  His own experience of the regular recital of the sacred verses of Narayaneeyam and living on the diet of the nivedyam of the temple helping to cure his ill health was an eye opener to him.

       Undoubtedly, the idea of socialism is based on equality and Thirunamacharya's move from Socialism was towards a different kind of Religious socialism which convinced him that through the exercise of compassion and devotion, he could see all beings as his fellow beings.  When anyone suffered, he too felt the pain of that suffering and helped them overcome that suffering through the supreme values of knowledge, discipline and devotion.  

Swami Vivekananda believed that Religion is the manifestation of the divinity already in Man.  In fact, the aim of human life has to be to ensure that this divinity reflects in all our actions. Thirunamacharya led Bhagavatha Sapthahams, Naama Sankeerthana Sapthahams and Akhanda Naama Japam to spread the glory of Narayana Naama Mahatmyam. Actually, through all his recitals and discourses, this Acharya was helping people to look within for the divinity they carried in their body and mind.  His way of explaining Bhaagavatha Tathwam was so unique that it raised people to a state of trance and joy. 

       The Guruvayur Devaswom's decision to honour him in 1982 with the title, Thirunamacharya was in recognition of his efforts to popularize Naama Sankeerthana.  He believed and convinced the masses that chanting the name of God provided solace to the human mind and even helped people in overcoming issues related to health. It was not surprising to see many important people like former Presidents, heads of Mutts, visiting him in his abode, named Narayanalaya. 

       As a scholar who explained the celestial religious truths to the people, he traveled far and wide in India.  I have heard that his discourses had encouraged people to build a
mini- Guruvayur Temple in Mumbai.  Writing books to spread the glory of Naama Japam and starting the Sree Guruvayurappan magazine are services that will always be remembered.

       Today, as we observe the birth centenary of this extraordinary interpreter of divinity, we are reminded his philanthropic activities and of how he conquered people's minds with love and wisdom and never used the doctrine of hatred or contempt for other beliefs.  It is such love and wisdom that have helped the spiritual heritage of our civilization to remain intact even after many a millennium.

       That the values imparted by spiritual teachers like Thirunamacharya continue to live through the activities
of many organizations like the Sree Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust is a matter of satisfaction.  The decision to observe his birth centenary in such an elaborate manner itself is an indication of our deep faith those values.

       I once again greet all the devotees who are present here and pray that Lord Guruvayoorappan’s blessings be upon them in every moment of their life.

       I compliment the organizers for conducting this meeting in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

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