New Delhi, June 14
A comprehensive biography of Kerala's prominent social reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru was launched here on Thursday, with the aim of popularising his life and teachings beyond the state.

Titled "Sree Narayana Guru: The Perfect Union of Buddha and Sankara", the biography, written by Asokan Vengassery Krishnan, was released by Rajya Sabha member Narendra Jadhav at a function in the Teen Murti House.

The 396-page book, published by Konark Publishers, has been edited by veteran journalist M.R. Narayan Swamy.

"Guru is widely known in Kerala, but not so much outside it. The idea is to take his teachings and philosophy to India and rest of the world, with this book," Krishnan told IANS.

In his address, Jadhav likened the anti-caste crusade of Narayana Guru to that of B.R. Ambedkar.

This book chronicles the illustrious life of the sage who emerged as the conscience of Kerala in the twentieth century, the publisher said in a statement.

"As a social reformer, his impact was unmatched in history. Those who had been denied basic human rights for centuries were able to experience dramatic changes in their lives due to the awakening caused by Guru's teachings," it said.

In the book's preface, Krishnan writes that he had striven to "unravel the multifaceted personality of Sree Narayana Guru as a saint, sage, 'siddha', 'yogi', socio-religious reformer, thinker, educator, philosopher, pragmatic visionary, and poet".

Rajya Sabha member V. Muraleedharan deemed it as a book "relevant to present time", and said his teachings have universal applicability.

The dignitaries present during the launch included former Indian Council for Cultural Relations chairman Lokesh Chandra, Kerala MP A. Sampath, former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan, former Kannur University Vice Chancellor P. Chandramohan among others.

Biography of social reformer Narayana Guru released