The preaching and teachings of Saint Ramanuja continue to remain relevant to mankind, according to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma.
The saint philosopher had worked for humanity and what he did one thousand years ago was something beyond imagination, the Minister said while taking part in the Millennium Year celebrations of Sri Ramanujacharya here on Sunday.
The event was organised by the Sri Ramanujar Aaayiramavathu Jayanthi Vizhakkuzhu. Paying rich tributes to Sri Ramanujacharya, the Minister said the saint philosopher’s core theme of social harmony, equality and co-existence remained relevant even today.
Inequality, he said, was one of the reasons for the unrest not only in our country but across the globe. It was the duty of every one to take forward the teachings of Sri Ramanuja to the youth of the society, he said.
Complimenting the scholars and the organising committee in propagating the teachings of Sri Ramanuja, the Minister said he would deliberate with the learned scholars in organising 1,000 year celebrations of the saint in different parts of the country so that his teachings were propagated across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan said Sri Ramanuja had driven home the strong message of social harmony and co-existence one thousand years ago.
Former Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami said it would be befitting if the Government of India organised 1,000th year celebrations of the saint philosopher.
Sri Chendalankara Shenbaga Mannar Sampathkumara Ramanuja Jeeyar of Raja Mannargudi, A.V. Rangachary, president, Sri Ramanujar Aayiramavathu Vizhakkuzhu, Krishna Gopal, RSS, all India joint general secretary, participated in the celebrations.
Eminent scholars who contributed to propagate Sri Ramanuja’s message were honoured. Dr. Krishna Gopal released a book on Sri Ramanuja.
