Thiruvananthapuram: Union minister of state for tourism Alphons Kannanthanam observed that Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru upheld the importance of the family through Santhigiri Ashram while inaugurating a cultural conference conducted as part of the 19th Navaoili Jyothir Dinam celebrations on Saturday in the ashram.
“We must all start to dream from a good family. Guru taught us that only such dreams are going to change the world. Guru proclaimed that food is our right and he served the needy three times a day. There is a philosophy behind all preachings and activities of Guru — the philosophy that you and me and all living beings in the world are one and the same. The world must imbibe lessons from such preachings. The most important thing to happen in a family is the open debate among its members sitting around the dinning table. Today this is not happening in our family. Nobody has the time for it. All are engaged with mobiles,” said the minister.
D.K. Murali, MLA, presided over the function. Former minister Mullakkara Retnakaran delivered the keynote address. Palayam imam Shuhaib Maulavi, Ashram General Secretary Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi, organising secretary Swami Gururetham Jnana Thapaswi graced the event with their blissful presence. Aravind Menon, president of the BJP departments and Projects was the special guest.
M.A. Vahid, ex-MLA distributed wheelchairs under the 'Karunyam ' free health protection programme to the poor patients. Film director Rajeev Anchal, actor Kollam Thulasi, Prof Dr K. Gopinatha Pillai, G.Kalakumari, Y.P. Sobhakumar, S. Radhadevi,E.A. Salim, R. Anilkumatr, Ad.S Anas,T. Manikandan Nair, Sarnya AS., K. Devaki and Pothencode Babu delivered felicitation speech. Ashram international operations in charge Swami Janananma Jnana Thapaswi welcomed the gathering and operations DGM P.B. Chandrababu extended the vote of thanks.
