Shillong, Sept 01: The Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Centre, Shillong (SNGCCS) on Sunday celebrated its 10th anniversary and the 159th birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru with grandeur, wherein the Governor of Meghalaya, Dr KK Paul, was the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Paul stated that spirituality can come in a human without spirits, but noted that spirits and spirituality are two different things. “If you are fond of only spirits, spirituality will not come to you,” he said, calling people to pursue spirituality.
He highlighted that the Indian civilization and culture has been over 5000 years old and still continuing. According to him, this is because there is lot of respect for Swamis and Gurus here. “Their preaching has been propagated and carry forward devotedly by their disciples. This is the reason for survival of India’s culture for so long,” he emphasized.
Talking in today’s context, he stressed on Article 51A (i) of Constitution of India that states safeguarding of public property and to abjure violence.
Also, comparing Meghalaya with Kerala, he said the abode of cloud has great geographical similarities to Kerala but it needs to do a lot to be at par in educational and socio – economic living standard. He was of the opinion that a lot of work can be done by the non – governmental organizations in this sector.
“It is our responsibility to come forward and work for development of the people of the state. I am sure that concerted efforts in line with the path shown by the great personalities like Sree Narayana Guru would bring fruitful results very fast,” he advocated.
A souvenir marking the 10th anniversary of SNGCCS was also released by the Governor on the occasion.
Additionally, following its tradition, the Governor conferred Entrepreneurship and Social Service awards. This year, the Entrepreneurship Award 2013 was conferred to Kristimai Kharbudnah – the founder and proprietor of ‘Kristy Soap Industry’. She manufactures herbal soaps for treatment of skin diseases, body pain and dandruff. Presently, she has eight people working at her soap manufacturing unit and has yearly earning of Rs 6 lakhs. Also, she keeps conducting training classes, especially for rural youths, with hope that they too can be self – employed and sustain themselves in this highly competitive era.
The Social Service Award 2013 was conferred to Shima Modak, who is founder Principal of Shishu Shiksha Ghar, Shillong. She currently has about 350 children studying in the school, which are organized at various places to impart free education to children from economically weak background, comprising of rag – pickers, rescued children, domestic helpers among others.
The function also had a variety of cultural programmes and also a martial arts demonstration, which also received appreciation from the Governor.
Other speakers on the occasion include, SNGCCS President, MK Mohanan, KN Babu, who is the former Director of SNDP Yogam, Kerala, and Dr KK Sasidharan, the vice – president of Universal Confederation of Sree Narayana Guru Organizations, New Delhi.(SP News)
