The year 2025 marks a monumental moment in India’s socio-cultural landscape — the Centenary Celebration of the historic meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi. The event is being commemorated on a national scale and will be inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 26th June 2025 at 11:00 AM at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

This celebration is not merely a remembrance of the past but a tribute to the timeless values of social justice, equality, and spiritual reform that these two icons championed.

Sree Narayana Guru – The Sage of Social Revolution

Sree Narayana Guru (20 August 1856 – 20 September 1928) was not only a spiritual visionary but also one of India’s greatest social reformers and humanists. Born into the marginalized Ezhava community in Kerala, during an era when caste oppression was rampant and systemic, Guru rose above the social constraints of his time to lead a profound non-violent revolution—one rooted in spiritual awakening, universal love, and human dignity.

Guru’s teachings transcended religious boundaries and focused on inner purity, ethical living, and the oneness of humanity. Through temples he consecrated (open to all castes), literary works like Atmopadesa Śatakam and Daiva Dasakam, and the motto “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Humanity”, Gurudevan became a beacon of hope and unity in a fragmented society.

What set him apart was his quiet defiance. Unlike the violent upheavals seen in other parts of the world, Narayana Guru’s revolution was peaceful yet powerful, ushering in educational empowerment, social mobility, and spiritual democratization for the oppressed classes in Kerala.

He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, an organization that played a pivotal role in advocating educational reforms and economic empowerment for marginalized communities. His philosophy of Advaita (non-dualism) emphasized that the divine exists equally in all beings — a perspective that directly challenged the divisive caste structures of the time.

Gurudevan’s influence extended far beyond Kerala — philosophers, reformers, and spiritual leaders across India and even from abroad recognized his genius. And one of the most powerful acknowledgments came in 1925, when Mahatma Gandhi came to Kerala and sought a personal meeting with him at Sivagiri Mutt.

A Glimpse of the Historic Meeting – 12th March 1925

The historic meeting between Gurudevan and Mahatma Gandhi took place on 12th March 1925, at the Gandhi Ashram in Sivagiri, a building donated by M.K. Govindadas. White sand was laid on the path, and a peaceful spiritual ambiance prevailed. Thousands had gathered to witness the coming together of two Mahatmas, deeply committed to India’s moral and social regeneration.

Gandhiji was accompanied by C. Rajagopalachari, E.V. Ramaswami Naiker, Mahadeva Desai, and Ramdas Gandhi. Gurudevan arrived earlier to receive Gandhiji. Their meeting was not just ceremonial — it was a quiet yet profound dialogue on the moral duties of the reformer, the role of religion in social transformation, and the need to eliminate caste discrimination.

This event marked the convergence of two parallel movements — Gandhi’s political satyagraha and Guru’s spiritual revolution — both working toward the emancipation of the oppressed.

The Centenary Celebration – A National Tribute

To commemorate this momentous centenary, an extensive Celebration Committee and multiple subcommittees have been constituted to organize a landmark event in New Delhi.

Sivagiri Mutt Representation

  • President: Srimad Sachidananda Swami
  • General Secretary: Shubhangananda Swami
  • Treasurer: Swami Saradananda

Celebration Committee

  • Chairman: Shri K.R. Manoj
  • General Convener: Shri Babu Panicker

Vice Chairmen:

  • Shri Jayaprakash M.D
  • Shri T.S. Anil
  • Shri K. Raghunath
  • Shri Anil M.K
  • Shri Raju K.R

Subcommittees with Conveners

Reception Committee

  • Chairperson: Smt. Beena Babu Ram
  • Chairman: Shri M.K.G. Pillai
  • Conveners: Shri S. Satheeshan & Shri R.R. Nair

Finance Committee

  • Chairman: Shri Manuvel Mezhukanal
  • Convener: Shri C. Chandran

Publicity Committee

  • Chairman: Shri P. Jayaraj Nair
  • Convener: Shri Pathiyoor Ravi

Transport & Accommodation Committee

  • Chairman: Shri C.K. Prince
  • Conveners: Shri P. Ravindran & Shri P. Sasi

Food Committee

  • Chairman: Shri Sasidharan N
  • Convener: Shri Sanal Kattoor

Stage Management Committee

  • Chairman: Adv. Arun Kuruvath
  • Shri  K.J. Tony & Shri K.M. Vijayakumar

Media Committee

  • Chairman: Shri N. Ashokan
  • Conveners: Shri Vinod Kumar Kalleth & Cartoonist Sudheernath

Prayer Group

  • Chairperson: Smt. Sathi Sunil
  • Convener: Smt. Seena Manoj

Volunteer Committee

  • Coordinator: Shri N. Jayadevan

National Coordinators

  • Shri Anish Damodaran – Mumbai
  • Shri Sanjai Krishnan – Jaipur
  • Shri Raju – Pune
  • Dr. K. Viswanathan – Faridabad
  • Smt. Sudha Lachu, Suja Rajendran, Nalini Mohan, Kushala Balan – Delhi

Conclusion

The Centenary Celebration of the Gurudevan–Gandhiji meeting is not just a commemoration — it is a call to the soul of India. It reminds us of the transformative power of compassion, truth, and social justice, and the importance of unifying spirituality with public good.

As we gather in the heart of the nation to remember this sacred dialogue, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of equality, inclusion, and inner realization that Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi upheld. May this celebration ignite a new wave of social awareness and spiritual integrity across the country.

Let the light of Gurudevan and Gandhiji continue to guide India’s path forward — towards a society that sees divinity in all, and discriminates against none.