Narayana Guru's teachings to be included in school curriculum

He was one of the pioneers of social reformers in Karnataka, says Sorake

The teachings and messages of social reformer Narayana Guru will be included in the primary school curriculum from the next academic year, said  Minister for Urban Development Vinay Kumar Sorake.

Speaking after inaugurating the 160th birth anniversary of Narayana Guru organised by Shree Narayana Samskarika Vedi, at Town Hall in Mangalore on Monday, he said that efforts are on in this regard.

Sorake said that an appeal has been made to the Chief Minister to include the lessons on Narayana Guru in school syllabus and administrative nod is awaited. The setting up of Narayana Guru Study Chair in Mangalore University as announced in the State budget will be realised soon.

The minister further said that Narayana Guru is a universal personality who called upon the mankind to erase the barriers of caste and religion, to unify the society.

Inorder to put an end to the social evils of racial discrimination, he established Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple and instilled confidence among the members of backward community. Narayana Guru was one of the pioneers of social reformers in Karnataka, he said.

The minister felt it was important for all backward communities to come together. Stating that the Billava community is being recognised by various names in various states, he said there are 24 sects in the community which need to come under a single platform and programmes should be chalked out accordingly. Shivagiri Mutt Pracharana Sabha Gurudhma Secretary Swamy Guruprasad blessed the occasion. Kerala Samajam President T K Rajan, Shree Narayana Samskara Vedi President T A Ashokan were present.
Proposal

In a separate programme, organised by Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Education Institutions, Mangalore University former registrar Prof K Chinnappa Gowda said that the proposal on the setting up of Narayana Guru Chair in the University is before the government. Narayana Guru has worked as a doctor to treat the sick society.

District Surgeon and Superintendent of Wenlock Hospital Dr Rajeshwari Devi H R said that society can be developed only by providing good health care to its people. Speaking on various new facilities at Wenlock Hospital, she said that the hospital has already started haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis centre. For the first time in the State, Club Foot Care Centre and Regional Blood Transfusion Centre has been started.  Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Centre and Early Intervention Centre for the treatment of new born babies will start functioning from October, she said.

Prizes were distributed to the winners in Kannada, English and Tulu elocution competitions organised for higher primary, high school and college students as a part of the celebrations. Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Education Institutions President B Devdas and others were present.