CM Siddaramaiah inaugurates Narayana Guru–Gandhi dialogue centenary programme in Mangaluru

CM Siddaramaiah inaugurates Narayana Guru–Gandhi dialogue centenary programme in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 3, 2025: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the “Shatamanada Prasthana”—the centenary celebrations of the historic dialogue between Sri Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, the centenary of the Guru’s Mahasamadhi, the interfaith conference, and the Yati Puja programme.

The event was organised on Wednesday at Mangala Gangotri, Mangaluru University, Konaje, under the auspices of Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, and the Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair of Mangalore University.

AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara, Ministers Dinesh Gundu Rao, Zameer Ahmad Khan, Satish Jarkiholi, former Union Minister B. Janardhana Poojary, Sri Jnana Teertha Swamiji of Sivagiri Mutt, President B.K. Hariprasad, and several other leaders were present.

Five Acres of Land for Sivagiri Mutt Branch

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that five acres of land will be provided for establishing a branch of Kerala’s Sivagiri Mutt either in Udupi or Mangaluru.

He made the announcement while inaugurating the centenary celebrations and interfaith conference organised jointly by Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, and the Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair at Mangaluru University.

He said that B.K. Hariprasad and other leaders will be entrusted with identifying suitable land as requested by the Mutt.

Teachings of Great Leaders Part of the Constitution: Venugopal

Delivering the keynote address on the meeting between Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, Lok Sabha PAC Chairman K.C. Venugopal said that the philosophies of Basavanna, Mahatma Gandhi, and Narayana Guru are enshrined in the Indian Constitution. “This great Constitution is now facing threats—similar to what Gandhi and Guru fought against decades ago. We must uphold their principles,” he said.

He recalled that Narayana Guru propagated the message of “One caste, one religion, one God,” while Gandhi stood for truth and non-violence. Their meeting in 1925 became a historic milestone during a time when the freedom struggle was raging and social evils like untouchability and inequality were widespread. Their dialogue later led to the prolonged Vaikom Satyagraha, he noted.

Ground to Be Named ’Guru–Gandhi Maidan’: Speaker Khader

Presiding over the event, Speaker U.T. Khader said the venue will be named Guru–Gandhi Maidan, and funds will be provided for building a park and sports ground.

“Development is not just roads and bridges. True development is when children of Hindus, Muslims, Dalits, Christians, the rich and the marginalized walk together in harmony,” he said.

More Support Needed for Study Chair: B.K. Hariprasad

B.K. Hariprasad, president of the centenary committee, recalled that in 2013 he had provided ₹35 lakh from his MLC funds to establish the Narayana Guru Chair at Mangalore University. MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel and Harish Kumar had contributed ₹10 lakh each. When additional funds were requested, CM Siddaramaiah sanctioned ₹2 crore. He thanked the Chief Minister for now agreeing to provide five acres of land for the proposed Sivagiri Mutt branch.

Swamiji Requests Land Provision

Delivering his blessings, Sivagiri Mutt’s Sacchidananda Swamiji said the Mutt intends to establish a branch in Karnataka and urged the Chief Minister to prioritise the allocation of necessary land.

Later, a formal request letter from the Mutt was handed over to the Chief Minister through K.C. Venugopal.