A new book chronicling the life, teachings, and philosophy of Narayana Guru, a 20th century philosopher-poet-saint and social reformer from Kerala, was recently launched here.
Titled "Sree Narayana Guru, The Perfect Union of Buddha and Sankara: A Comprehensive Biography", the book by US-based author Asokan Vengassery Krishnan, talks about the life and times of the saint who spearheaded a reform movement in Kerala that rejected caste system.
"It is a day of great joy and happiness for me. Everyone has a divine mission to fulfill," Krishnan said, talking about his literary feat that began eight years ago in 2010.
The author, who has written extensively on the socio-political scenario in Kerala, added that he was inspired by the Guru's ideology of social equality and spiritual liberation, and that it was his dream to see "grandchildren of grandchildren" lead "a nation without caste".
Noted economist and Rajya Sabha Member Narendra Jhadav called the book by Konark Publishers "a well-researched, well-written" work that offered an insight into the personage of the Guru.
Drawing parallels between Narayana Guru and 19th century Marathi social reformer Jyotirao Phule, Jadhav said the two directly challenged the caste system.
"It needed guts to talk about one religion, one God and one caste system," the politician said reiterating the words of former Indian president A P J Abdul Kalam.
Rajya Sabha Member V Muraleedharan said Krishnan's book, being in English, would expand the reach of Narayana Guru's teachings, which until now, were only known in Kerala.
"Asokan's book is very contemporary and relevant to the present times. The previous books on Sree Narayana Guru are in Malayalam, and there are no books in Hindi to reach a wider audience," he said.
The publishers said they were already receiving offers to bring out Marathi and Hindi translations of the book.
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