Date:08/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090813780100.htm

Front Page

Empower people for education and enterprise, says Chidambaram

Staff Reporter

`There is still discrimination, denial of opportunity on the basis of caste'

REMEMBERING GURU: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram after handing over a box containing commemorative coins having the impression of Sree Narayana Guru to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan at the Sivagiri Madhom on Thursday. — Photo: S. Mahinsha

VARKALA: Even though India attained political freedom many years ago the nation has not been able to ensure social and economic freedom for all sections of society, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said on Thursday.

He was speaking after releasing the commemorative coins of Rs.100 and Rs.5 denominations, having the portrait of Sree Narayana Guru, at a function organised by the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust at the Sivagiri Madhom on the occasion of the 152nd birth anniversary of the guru.

"There is still discrimination and denial of opportunity and equality on the basis of caste. Even if the nation is able to usher in social freedom there will be an unending quest for economic democracy in the country. Thus, there is a need to empower people for enterprise without the dead weight of the State sitting on their shoulders," Mr. Chidambaram said.

That kind of freedom - when individuals can contribute to the well being of the nation and their family - is the true hallmark of democracy. The need of the hour is for the country to become a knowledge society. For this, access to education and enterprise for all sections of society is a prerequisite, he said.

Contemporary India and Indians have a lot to learn from the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru who, the Minister said, was an apostle of social equality.

The guru inspired millions and will continue to inspire millions in the generations to come. The true meaning of words such as `guru', `sahodaran', `asan', and `vaidyar' is far greater than their literary meanings. People are born into religions and castes but belong to the larger brotherhood of mankind. And service to humanity is service to god, Mr. Chidambaram said.

The guru always stood steadfast against violence of any kind. The people of today should draw inspiration from his message and abjure violence and cease to discriminate on the grounds of caste. "Even if you do accept caste, you should never regard caste and religion as a prison. You should try to come out of that prison," he said.

"A certain number of the commemorative coins will be released into the banking system. Those who wish to have these coins can place orders for the same. The Union Government and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in particular, are very happy to be associated with the bringing out of the commemorative coins,'' he added.

The book Narayana Guru Complete Works brought out by the National Book Trust was also released.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan in his address said the monks of the Sivagiri Madhom and all devotees of the guru should be vigilant against the designs of communal forces that, in the past, tried to infiltrate the Madhom.

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, Varkala Radhakrishnan, MP, Varkala Kahar, MLA, head of the Sivagiri Madhom Swami Sookshmananda, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan and actor Dileep were among those who spoke.