Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil on the Inauguration of the Dedication Ceremony of the Parnasala of the Founder Guru of Santhigiri Ashram

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here at the Santhigiri Ashram for the inauguration of the dedication ceremony of the Parnasala of Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, the founder of this Ashram. I was extremely happy to have met the Guru's chosen disciple, Her Holiness Sishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, who is now providing wise guidance to the Santhigiri Ashram.

Santhigiri, meaning the mountain of peace, was established about four decades ago. Since then it has grown vastly. It is now an organization undertaking a number of spiritual and welfare activities. In its work it is guided by the teachings of its founder, Karunakara Guru, a great visionary who believed in a casteless society based on strong family values. Santhigiri Ashram has now constructed a magnificent structure, the Parnasala of the Guru - it is a structure of a full bloomed Lotus made of white marble, which symbolizes the message of universal peace and fraternity. The creative design of this 91 feet high monument has been executed with great skill and craftsmanship. I would like to compliment all who have been involved in its conception and construction.

The lotus shaped Parnasala is a befitting tribute to Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru, who always said that the religion he believed is that of love, tolerance and fraternity. Throughout his life, he spread the message of goodwill and sought to build a society in which people could live peacefully, performing their duties with sincerity. He believed that between human beings there can be no discrimination on grounds of caste, religion, or class. He taught his followers the importance of working together collectively for peace, family welfare and spiritual growth. Guru spoke of his own work as action intended to take humanity forward and to reduce the sufferings of humankind. A critical aspect of this is addressing the concerns of the less privileged and disadvantaged sections of society, so as to build a society which is more equitable, and, hence, sustainable. In the welfare of all, lies the prosperity and progress of all. Our endeavour, therefore, should be that the benefits of economic growth of our country should reach every segment of society. No one should be left behind, and everyone should have a life of dignity.

Karunakara Guru had highlighted three basic principles for holistic living. These are Annadanam - serving free food, Aathurasevanam - providing free treatment to the ailing and Aathmabodhanam - worthy spiritual awakening. These simple but basic tenets focus on meeting the basic needs of food and good health essential for human survival and, which coupled with awareness of human values, impart a purpose and meaning to life. In accordance with these three principles, I am glad to note that the Ashram has been undertaking activities that cater to providing food, education and healthcare facilities, and also for protecting and preserving nature and ecological balance.

Guru's view that the family is the basic unit of society, where an individual is shaped and nurtured, carries great wisdom. Creating a society of tolerant and caring individuals, begins with the family. Children when taught good values from the very beginning understand the importance of human dignity; they are disciplined and conscious of their rights and duties, ready to work hard and strive for excellence. Maintaining a congenial environment at home is conducive for building strong family bonds, which provide emotional sustenance. In a broader sense the whole world is one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. As love and understanding develops in families, it will promote more harmonious societies, where we show concern and compassion for each other as fellow human beings.

I am also aware that through the holding of conferences and research projects, Santhigiri Ashram is making an effort to create awareness of socially relevant issues. In this context, I would like to mention that women have great potential to bring about change in society. They need to be given access to education, health and skill-building - the tools of empowerment. By spreading education amongst them, not only is an individual educated, but rather the seeds of progress for the next generation are planted. To improve the economic status the route of cooperatives and Self Help Groups supported by credit, production and marketing support have been useful. I am glad to know that Santhigiri Ashram has undertaken projects, which give women an opportunity to build their capacities, develop their skills and also work in cottage industry units.

Shantigiri Ashram is contributing to the efforts to preserve our traditional systems of medicine, by placing emphasis on Ayurveda and Siddha, which contain invaluable wealth of knowledge about diseases and their treatment. With a growing inclination towards naturopathy, Ayurveda and other Indian systems of medicine are becoming increasingly popular in many countries. This provides a good opportunity for their revival, including addressing issues like proper standardization and registration. It is possible only through comprehensive research and development about plants and other ingredients used in Ayurveda, Siddha and other Indian systems of medicine.

Navajyotisree Karunakara Guru was close to nature and he constantly emphasized the importance of keeping our environment clean and pure. I am told that the Santhigiri Research Foundation is focusing on environmental friendly technologies, methods and systems. Its efforts to promote organic farming, rainwater harvesting and conservation of groundwater demonstrate the spirit of Guru's teachings. Awareness about the environment is the beginning of creating harmony between man and nature. The world is faced with the challenge of climate change. Each individual can contribute to reduce the impact of global warming by using the finite resources of the Earth carefully.

Guru worked throughout his life for the peace of all people, especially the downtrodden. Similarly, the Ashram is also serving the people and I am confident that the teachings of Navajyotisree Karunakara Guru will continue to provide guidance and inspiration. Parnasala, which is a dedication to humankind, will be a reminder to all, that life based on truth and compassion will bring peace and prosperity in the world. In the end, I would like to once again convey greetings to all present here.

Thank you. 
Jai Hind!