SRIMAD RAMANUJA AND GURU NANAK CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST, NAGAPPATNAM

Jai Sri Ramakrishna. Namaskar to you all.

First of all, I offer my thanks to Srimad Ramanuja and Guru Nanak Charitable and Educational Trust for establishing a school in Nagapatnam, Tamilnadu.

This is the good expression of the devotion our Sikhs brothers have for their Guru, the great Guru Nanakji. Our brothers from Punjab have established a cultural and educational engagement which is of immense benefit to the downtrodden segment of society in Tamilnadu. This is indeed the materialization of devotion to one’s Acharyas, Gurus and Prophets. The best way to follow their ideals.

Acharya Ramanuja’s mission is functioning very well and guiding us even after thousand years.  Guru Nanakji’s spiritual mission is influencing us even after 500 years. There are not many such glowing examples in the world. We Indians are fortunate to have such noble teachers amongst us.

Swami Vivekananda prophesied that ‘education is the panacea for all the problems’. Whatever be the nature of the problem, viz. social, cultural and political… education is the solution said Swami Vivekananda.

What is his definition of education?

‘We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.’

This is the global approach to education that Swamiji wanted.

Unfortunately, Westerners have influenced, sponsored, and authored our history books to declare that we have only negative ideas and that our culture and tradition do not make us proud. Our students do not have exposure to our luminous traditions and our marvelous teachers.

Let me share an incident.

The great Ramanujacharya learnt spiritual education from his Guru. It was not so easy to get initiated from him. He had to run to his master 17 times and met with disappointments. Each time the Guru rejected the disciple, the great Sri Ramanuja. Despite that, he persevered and did not give up his longing for spiritual education. Finally, he got the mantra only on the 18^th attempt and then he openly shared that blessing with the poor people. That is the great heart of Sri Ramanuja.

How many of our students, who are supposed to aspire for knowledge, know about this inspiring incident?

Whereas we are told repeatedly that the brutal Ghajini Mohammed looted our nation 18 times and we lost a huge amount of wealth every time.

Our system of education shamelessly make us to read this historical blunder. They do not want to know and do not wish to bring the focus on to the great Indian leaders. But, they prefer to glorify the brutes and the looters who came from outside India.

Now, we are all happy that one more school is coming up to provide an education which Swami Vivekananda Wanted.

I pray to Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna for his blessings on Srimad Ramanuja and Gurunanak Vidyalaya, so that this Vidyalaya creates great individuals who will bring glory to our country and its rich tradition and culture. As a result, the world will become a better place to dwell upon.

Thank you for giving an opportunity to participate in Bhoomi Puja of this Vidyalaya.