Thiruvananthapuram: Union tourism minister Dr Mahesh Sharma has said that the centre will assist the tourism-related development at Sivagiri and asked the Sivagiri mutt authorities to prepare a project report for the same.
Inaugurating the second day of the 84th Sivagiri pilgrimage at Varkala on Saturday, he hoped that the Sivagiri facilities can be improved with a fund of Rs 100 crore. He added that Rs 99 crore had been sanctioned for Sabarimala and Rs 92 crore for Sree Padmanabha Swami temple developments.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes to establish a link between all pilgrimage centres in the country so that Sree Narayana Guru's message can be spread to all corners of the world. Pilgrimage tourism should be given its due share," he said.
The Guru's teaching of 'one caste one religion and one God for humanity' showed his humaneness, he said and added that Guru evolved this concept as he was certain about the immense potential of human beings, irrespective of caste or religion.
"Guru also taught us how one can work wonders through hard work. He considered untouchability as the main sin. Guru urged the people to make the best use of education which is the door to society's growth. This is why Sivagiri pilgrimage gives importance to education," added Mr Sharma.
Agriculture minister V. S. Sunil Kumar, who inaugurated an agriculture seminar, said Guru had opined that agriculture was the backbone of the people.
