Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is launching the centenary celebrations of the historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru in Kollam on Friday, organized by Sivagiri Madhom and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies. | Photo credit: C. Sureshkumar
The Constitution of India is not just a post-independence legal document but a book that carries the wisdom and values of India, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said here on Friday. Inaugurating a public meeting organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies (RGIDS) and Sivagiri Madho to mark the centenary of the meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru, he discussed how the moral strength and humility of the two leaders continue to define the ideals of the Constitution.
Noting that their shared philosophy of truth serves as a vital antidote to the modern climate of political aggression and hatred, he challenged the crowd to move beyond symbolic gestures and actually practice the wisdom and direction provided by these spiritual and political icons. He also noted that the essence of the Constitution – focused on love, respect and protection of the weak – directly reflected the philosophy of the Guru.
“Dialogue Simplicity”
Reflecting on the meeting between these two “giants” a century ago, Mr. Gandhi marveled at the profound simplicity of their dialogue. He noted that while modern interactions between the powerful are often marked by ego and arrogance, the meeting between Gandhi and the Guru was defined by a humility that made their message of truth and non-violence easily understood by the common man even 100 years later.
The Congress leader drew direct parallels between the Guru’s teachings and the legal framework of modern India. He shared a touching anecdote from the Guru’s life about a theft in the ashram. When the disciples discovered that the mango had been stolen and called the police to punish the thief, the Guru responded with unexpected compassion. “The guru suggested that there must have been an ulterior motive for the theft and that the man needed guidance, not beating,” he recounted. Connecting it directly to the spirit of the law, he declared, “The Constitution says do not crush those who are weaker than you; give space to every single being. That is exactly what Sree Narayana Guru taught.”
On moral authority
Distinguishing between power and force, Mr. Gandhi pointed to Mahatma Gandhi’s battle against the British as a definitive example, noting that Gandhi drew inspiration from figures like Sree Narayana Guru. He argued that while the British had the physical power and systemic structures to imprison or kill, they lacked the moral authority. In contrast, he declared, Gandhi and the Guru had an inner moral strength that no empire could break. Despite having no material wealth, the Guru was the most powerful man of his era, Mr Gandhi noted, adding that the same spirit of non-violence was the only path to lasting victory.
While discussing the Guru’s biography and the translated verses of his Daiva Dashakam, Mr. Gandhi noted how smoothly the reformer’s ideals aligned with the spirit of India. He drew a stark contrast between the plea of prayer to be led from darkness to the light of knowledge and the current state of global affairs. He further noted that the Indian political environment now presents a clear choice between two paths: one defined by truth, humility and non-violence and the other by anger, hatred and aggression. “There is a retreat from knowledge to darkness today in politics and in international relations,” he noted, lamenting a world where the desire to understand others has been replaced by the impulse to “bomb and kill.” Sachidananda Swami, President, Sivagiri Madhom, presided and KC Venugopal, MP delivered the keynote address.
Published – 06 March 2026 19:28 IST
