Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday called for vigil against attempts being made by certain sections to brand Sree Narayana Guru as the leader of a particular religion.
Inaugurating the 84th Sivagiri pilgrimage, the chief minister said whether Aruvippuram , Chepazhanthy or Sivagiri all these places associated with Sree Narayana Guru should remain open for the people and should not be restricted to a particular caste or religion.
The obscurantist and superstitious beliefs that the Guru wanted to end were returning to society in a big way. He said even in processions taken out in connection with Guru Jayanthi one could find spear piercing of cheeks. These kinds rituals and customs were vehemently opposed by Guru during his life time.
Pinarayi said there were umpteen TV programmes advertising magical items and promoting superstition. All these programmes claim to bring affluence and success in life.
The chief minister said there was urgent need to create awareness against such social evils and superstitions. He said the teachings of guru would provide the required strength and inspiration to fight against social evils.
On Saturday, union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma will inaugurate the second day of the Sivagiri pilgrimage.
