BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday hailed the contributions made by the Shivagiri Math and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, founded by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, in the field of education.
Speaking at a function got up to mark the 90th Mahasamadhi of Sree Narayana Guru at the Math, Shah said the role of educational institutions under it and SNDP in Kerala, achieving 100 per literacy, cannot be forgotten.
Shah said the Guru through his simple messages succeeded in delivering the "essence of Upanishads" to the common man.
The Centre has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the development of amenities at Varkala Railway station, main gateway for the Math, he said.
Similarly, the Rs 70 crore announced by the union Tourism department for the development of places connected with Sree Narayana Guru would help preserve his teachings and philosophy, Shah said.
Union Tourism minister Alphons Kannanthanam and SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan were among those present on the occasion.