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Gurudeva Jayanthi in New York

The chathayam star that rose in the Indian horizon showering blessings on all mankind regardless of color, creed, class or faith was none, but the great saint Sree Narayana Guru. As a token of reverence to guru, Sree Narayana Association of North America Inc. celebrated 155th Gurudeva Jayanthi on Sept 5, 2009 at P .S. 203, Oakland Gardens, New York. Along with Gurudeva Jayanthi, Keralites’ festival Onam that reminds us of the rule of the legendary king Mahabali when people were treated with no discrimination was also celebrated.

The festivities started at 12.30 pm with sumptuous typical Kerala Sadya prepared by SNA members at home, followed by public meeting. Secretary K. G. Sahrudayan opened the public meeting throwing some light on Guru’s social reformation activities. President, P. K. Radhakrishnan delivered hearty welcome speech. Gurudevan falls in the category of great rishis of Bharat who had, achieving realization of the Absolute, revealed the secret of the universe and Guru delivered great messages that soothe everyone like gentle breeze”, Radhakrishnan said. Chairman Vasudev Pulickal, his holiness Poojya Swamiji Amithananda of Chinmaya mission, Narayanan and Preethikumar were the speakers.

Pulickal said, “Standing on the foundation of advaita vedanta, guru started his mission of bringing equality and fraternity among people by establishing siva temple at Aruvippuraram. It was not to encroach upon the right of the upper class to establish temples or to hurt anybody’s feelings, but it was the beginning of guru’s attempt to inculcate values of equality among people in the light of advaita philosophy that proclaims oneness. Those who could not properly grasp guru’s vision had interpreted this sanctification to their own satisfaction. By consecrating Omkaram at Kalavankodu, guru was in fact proving that various temples with different deities are only foot steps to the Ultimate Truth – Paramatha”.

Treasurer, Jayachandran Ramakrishnan introduced the chief guest Poojya Swamiji Amithananda. Swamiji made an analytical study of Guru and the legendary king Bali. Swamiji said, “Guru attained power through his thapasya and great brhamacharya and utilized all his power for the betterment the entire mankind. Guru was simple and gave up worldly attachment and united with the Ultimate Truth, guru radiated divine grace.

Guru’s teachings are unique and acceptable to anyone. Such a guru should be held in high regard. Swamiji depicted Bali also as a man who renounced everything for the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Bali could not deny the needs of the Lord. He offered what was asked by the Lord. When Bali humbly bowed his head in front of the Lord, he was submitting himself to the Lord and was blessed. He gave his head and received Lord’s foot”.

Narayanan’s speech was concentrated on the legendary king Mahabali and how people were living under mahabali’s rule. Preethikumar said that Guru was an advocate of education and a number of people got the opportunity for education because of guru’s social reformation. Dr. N. P. Shiela, writer and former president of Gurudharma Pracharana Sabha, Ernakulam released the souvenir prepared by K. G. Prasannan for the Association.

After the meeting, a striking cultural program was presented by SNA members. The cultural program started with welcoming Gurudevan ( Haridas.P .S - make up Mohan Plavila) and Mahabali ( Bhaskaran Raghavan – make up Prasanna Kumar R.) Accompanied by thalappoli, chendamelam, nadaswaram etc, followed by thiruvathira kali. The thalappoli by beautiful ladies with traditional Kerala attire mundum neriyathum was enchanting.

The specially choreographed thiruvathira kali with newly formulated rhythmic steps by Prasanna Babu and Archana Babu was captivating and exquisite. Manish Sasikumar’s performance imitating Michael Jackson was marvelous and unique. The audience enthusiastically acknowledged his talents with ovation. Other variety entertainments that included melodious songs and dazzling dances were also admired and enjoyed by the audience with applause. The program ended by 6 pm with vote thanks by Prasanna Babu and national anthem by Omana Vasudev and group.