This year marks the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kerala in 1925, a significant chapter in his journey of social reform and India's freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi came to Kerala not as a politician, not as a leader seeking power, but as a pilgrim of truth and justice. He did so five times, in 1920, 1925, 1927, 1934, and 1937, seeking to support social reform, raise funds, and protest against untouchability. But the 1925 visit is particularly memorable for a special set of reasons.

Gandhiji's primary purpose in 1925 was to support the Vaikom Satyagraha, the great social movement aimed at securing the rights of lower-caste individuals to use public roads around the Vaikom temple. His presence energized the movement and brought national attention to the issue of untouchability, but did not entirely resolve the situation caused by the obduracy of the upper castes. Still, the visit facilitated a number of major episodes that are worth recalling.

One of the most historic moments of this visit was Gandhi's meeting with Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Mutt on March 12, 1925. The two giants of India’s early 20th century transformation were reported to have discussed caste discrimination, education, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Gandhiji sought the Guru’s thoughts on casteism, untouchability, and social reform; the Guru was already known as a revered spiritual leader advocating strongly for equality and education. But given Gandhiji’s lack of Sanskrit, Malayalam or Tamil, and Sree Narayana Guru’s lack of English, dialogue was not easy. Advocate N. Kumaran acted as their interpreter, facilitating a meaningful conversation. Still, much of their exchange is said to have passed in silence – a profound silence that conveyed depths of meaning to the Mahatma.

This encounter was a historic moment in India's socio-political and spiritual history that became a cornerstone in the fight for social justice. The meeting of the Guru and the Mahatma symbolized the unity of two great minds working towards a caste-free and inclusive society. Their conversation also........

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