Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23: President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of former President of India, K.R. Narayanan, at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday.
The event was attended by former President Ram Nath Kovind, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and other dignitaries. In her address, President Murmu described K.R. Narayanan’s life as “a story of courage, perseverance, and self-belief.” She said that through dedication and the power of education, Narayanan rose from humble beginnings to occupy the highest constitutional office in the country. “His academic excellence symbolised what determination and opportunity can achieve when guided by purpose,” she noted.
Recalling his distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service before entering politics, President Murmu said Narayanan upheld India’s values of peace, justice, and cooperation with utmost sincerity, and remained steadfast in his commitment to fairness and inclusion.
The President highlighted Narayanan’s deep connection to Kerala, his home state, saying he drew inspiration from its social progress and focus on education and inclusivity. “Even after reaching the highest office, he remained connected to his roots,” she remarked.
Further highlighting Narayanan’s emphasis on education as a tool for national development, President Murmu said Narayanan viewed education not as a privilege for a few but as a right for all. “He believed that human values are essential for the growth of a civilisation and fundamental to the progress of society,” she added. President Murmu concluded by calling K.R. Narayanan “a beacon of morality, integrity, compassion, and democratic spirit,” urging citizens to draw inspiration from his life dedicated to nation-building. “His legacy will continue to inspire generations to uphold the values of equality, integrity, and public service that he stood for,” she said.
Later in the day, the President inaugurated the observance of the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, she said Sree Narayana Guru was one of India’s great spiritual leaders and social reformers, a saint and philosopher who profoundly influenced the country’s social and spiritual landscape. “Sree Narayana Guru devoted his life to liberating people from ignorance and superstition,” she said, highlighting his powerful message of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind.’ The President added that his teachings transcended boundaries of religion, caste, and creed, emphasising that true liberation comes through knowledge and compassion, not blind faith.
She noted that the temples, schools, and institutions founded by Sree Narayana Guru became centres of literacy, self-reliance, and moral awakening among the oppressed. His writings in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil, she said, combined deep philosophical wisdom with simplicity and humanity. In a world increasingly divided by differences, President Murmu said, Sree Narayana Guru’s message of unity, equality, and mutual respect remains timeless. “His vision reminds us that all human beings share the same divine essence,” she said, calling on people to draw strength from his teachings to build a more compassionate and harmonious society.
