Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (IANS) The Oommen Chandy government Tuesday cleared a committee consisting of education experts to submit a report on how the teachings and philosophy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru could be included in the education curriculum at both school and college levels.

Minister for Culture K.C. Joseph told reporters here that the experts committee would be headed by eminent educationist M.K. Sanu.

“Once the committee submits its report, we will take the matter up with the Centre to see that the teachings and philosophy of Guru are included in the curriculum at the national level also. In Kerala, we intend to place it at different levels in the school and college curriculum,” said Joseph, who also is the chairman of the Sree Narayana International Study Centre which is moving into a new campus on Feb 8.

Narayana Guru (1856-1928) is a revered leader and is seen as a saint, sage and social reformer. He was born in an Ezhava family in an era when the Ezhava caste faced social injustice due to its precarious position between the upper and lowest strata in the caste hierarchy.

Gurudeva, as he is fondly called, revolted against casteism and worked on propagating social equality coupled with spirituality.

The powerful Ezhava community constitutes over 50 percent of the 3.20 crore Hindu population in Kerala. Hindus constitute 55 percent of Kerala’s population.

“The Centre will now start to offer short term courses on the teachings and philosophy of Guru in partnership with other universities also,” added Joseph.