President Pratibha Patil dedicated Parnasala, the lotus-shape marvel at Santhigiri Ashram, that symbolizes 'universal peace and fraternity' at Thiruvananthapuram on August 13, 2010.
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| NavaJyothiSree Karunakara Guru’s Parnasala at Santhigiri Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram |
On reaching Santhigiri Ashram, she prayed at Aradhanalayam (prayer hall), and offered floral tributes at NavaJyothiSree Karunakara Guru's Parnasala. She also visited Sahakarana Mandiram (Shrine of togetherness) before proceeding to meet the spiritual head and Guru apparent of the ashram, Sishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini.
President Pratibha Patil began her speech in Malayalam cheering the large gathering at the auditorium. She said, “I am pleased to be here at the Santhigiri Ashram for the inauguration of the dedication ceremony of the Parnasala of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, the founder of this Ashram.”
The President said a critical aspect of NavaJyothiSree Karunakara Guru’s teachings was to address concerns of the less privileged and disadvantageous sections so as to build a society that is more equitable and sustainable. The President was also inaugurating the one-month long celebrations to mark the occasion.
“Creating a society of tolerant and caring individuals begins with the family. Children when taught good values from the very beginning understand the importance of human dignity. They are disciplined and conscious of their rights and duties, read to work hard and strive for excellence. Maintaining a congenial environment at home is conducive for building strong family bonds, which provide emotional sustenance. In a broader sense, the whole world is one family—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. As love and understanding develops in families, it will promote more harmonious societies, where we show concern and compassion for each other as fellow human beings”, she said.
During the speech, Ms Patil described the guru as a “visionary who believed in a casteless society based on strong family values." She emphasized the need to empower woman, who have the potential to bring about change in the society.
She said NavaJyothiSree Karunakara Guru believed that among human beings there can be no discrimination based on caste, religion or class, and taught his followers the importance of working together for peace, family welfare and spiritual growth.
The President also congratulated the Santhigiri Ashram for its efforts to promote traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha. Further, she referred to the ashram’s efforts in promoting environmental friendly technologies, methods and systems. She said, “Awareness about the environment is the beginning of creating harmony between man and nature.”
Read President Pratibha Patil speech made while addressing the audience after Parnasala dedication at http://presidentofindia.nic.in/sp130810-1.html
Swami Navananma Jnana Thapaswi (Director, Santhigiri Ashram), Smt.J.Arundhathi MLA, Shri.Sashi Tharoor M.P, Shri.Ramesh Chennithala(KPCC President), Shri.Kodiyeri Balakrishnan(Minister for Home & Tourism, Govt. of Kerala) spoke on the occasion and Shri.R.S.Gavai(His Excellency the Governor of Kerala) presided over the function. Shri.Koliyakode Krishnan Nair(Ex.MLA), Patron,Parnasala Dedication Reception Committee said vote of thanks.
Parnasala will be opened for worship on September 12, 2010 and a grand function will be held to mark the occasion, that conicides with Guru's birthday.
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