In the present phase of life when there is still meaningless anticipatory creation of a secular and casteless society, the Guru’s teachings and messages have unique value. His mission is so pervaded in social life, especially in Kerala, that nobody can either or abandon his spiritual eminence and renunciation in life. It was quite obvious when Gandhiji visited him at ‘Sivagiri’ during the period of “Vaikom Satyagraha”. A patriot and freedom fighter,he reached in Kerala and took notice of Sree Narayana Guru with honour and respect. The Guru’s nobility and humility attracted him so greatly that he founded necessary to respect him .In addition to that Gandhiji was deeply interested to take into account his great services to the downtrodden and those who were tied down to particular religions.It was on 13th March, 1925 that Gandhiji came to ‘Sivagiri’ to meet Swamiji. Their seraphic conversation at ’Sivagiri’ was a phenomenal event in the history of Kerala to march ahead in life with renowned concept of caste and religion. A large number of people had assembled there to welcome him and Gandhiji accepted their
greetings with folded hands before moving towards the Guru. Sree Narayana Guru was waiting there to receive him with extended arms. Soon both of them sat on Khadi covered grass mats and began to talk with each other on important subjects. Mostly it was on casteism and untouchability,including wordly freedom ,that they made conversation near the ‘Sivagiri Ashram’. Their conversation follows:
Gandhiji: Swamiji,have you ever come across any command in the Hindu scriptures for keeping untouchability? Swami: No. I have not seen.
Gandhiji: What is to be done other than removing untouchability to improve the social life of the depressed people?
Swami: They need to have education and wealth. And I do not think that inter-caste dinners and marriages should be practiced immediately.But they should have they opportunity to advance in life as everybody else.
Gandhiji: Some of us think that non-violent ‘Satyagraha’ is ineffective and use of force is essential to establish rights. What is your
opinion?placed a garland of roses round his neck before returning from there. And on another day while speaking at a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, Gandhiji said that it was his fortune to have met the Guru. Swami : No.I does not consider force as good.
Gandhiji: Do Hindhu codes commended use of force?
Swami : I have come across in ‘Puranas’ that force is necessary for kings and that they have used it for their success.But use of force would not be appropriate for common man.
Gandhiji: There is an opinion that people should change their religion and that it is the right achieve freedom of independent life.Swamiji, would you permit it?
Swami: We see that people, who became converted, are enjoying freedom. So they need not be blamed even if they have such a view .
Gandhiji : Does Swamiji consider the Hindu religion sufficient for spiritual salvation?
Swami: Yes. I do; because there are means of salvation in other religions as well.
Gandhiji :We may leave the other religions for the time being. But Swamiji, what is your opinion about Hindhuism? Is it sufficient enoughaudience to wear ‘Khadi’. Swamiji also insisted on this and told them
to do what Gandhiji to the car and for salvation? Swami: Yes. Hindhuism is sufficient for spiritual freedom. But people are more after worldly freedom.Gandhiji: That is mainly about the prohibitions like untouchability.But does Swamiji think the conversation is necessary for spiritual freedom? Swami: No. Conversation is not needed for spiritual salvation. Gandhiji: We are fighting for worldly freedom. But would it prove meaningless? Swami: No. It never be futile. But unless we terminate the existing social inequality we can’t make it fruitful. And Mahatmaji may have to take birth once more to bring it fruitful, because the problem is so deeply rooted. Gandhiji: (With a smile) what I believe is that it can take place in my life-time itself. But what is happening now is that untouchability is practiced even among the depressed classes. Well, is entry allowed to everyone in Swamiji’s temples? Swami: Entry is allowed to everyone.And beyond that ‘Pulaya’ children live and study with other children at ‘Sivagiri’ and they join others in worship as well. Gandhiji: I am very happy and foresee Swamiji’s insight.
