Sri Narayana Guru upheld social equality

P. Krishnaswamy

Former Arch Bishop of Colombo Oswald Gomis pointed out that is should be the perspective of everyone to eliminate social inequality based on cast, creed and religion at the 'Global Convention of Universal Brotherhood' held under the aurspices of the Shree Narayana Guru society in Colombo.

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha said that outside India, the Guru had visited Sri Lanka on two occasions and this marked the significance of the age-old relations between the two countries. The Guru was a silent but effective reformer and the noble ideals of universal brotherhood and 'oneness of God' which he preached and advocated relentlessly are much relevant in the world today as it was then, the High Commissioner said.

Several religious, spiritual and political leaders from many countries graced and addressed the two-day convention held at the BMICH and the Taj Samudra Hotel on December 19 - 20 to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee of the Shree Narayana Guru Hall at Layers Broadway, Grandpass. Guest of Honour Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardenapura University, speaking at the first day session said that Shree Narayana Guru's life and preachings very much reflected the social and religious outlook of The Buddha.

President of the Ramakrishna Mission, Ceylon Branch, Swamy Sarvarupananda, Al-Sheik Fazil Mohamed Farook of the All Ceylon Jamiathul Ulama, Swamigies from the Sivagiri Madam in Kerala, MP from Singapore Viswa Sathasivam, Kerala State Government Minister N.K. Premachandran, Indian Cultural Ministry Secretary Dr. Ananda Bose, former Indian diplomat P.T. Srinivasan and Shankar Ramaswamy from the USA also spoke on the achievements of Shree Narayana Guru in effecting wider social reform.