Emphasizing the timeless relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s philosophy in contemporary society, Sachidananda Swami, the head of Sivagiri Mutt, said that a comprehensive study of the Guru’s life and vision is a crucial need of the hour. He was speaking at the State-level inauguration of Sreenarayana Guru Open University’s (SGOU) newly introduced one-year diploma course, ‘Life and Vision of Sree Narayana Guru’, launched by Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SGOU). The event was organized at the university’s Learner Support Centre at Fatima Mata National College, Kollam.Delivering the benedictory address, Sachidananda Swami reminded the audience of the necessity of passing down the thoughts of Guru who proclaimed the greatness of humanity beyond caste barriers and social evils to future generations. He added that it is highly commendable for a university named after the great seer, who urged everyone to “gain enlightenment through education,” to initiate such a specialized academic programme. Following the inaugural ceremony, Swami led the first official class of the course on the topic ‘Life and Vision of Sree Narayana Guru’.Presiding over the function, SGOU Vice-Chancellor Jagathy Raj V. P. pointed out that Guru’s vision of gaining enlightenment through education forms the very foundation of the university. He added that education should go beyond mere literacy to guide humanity toward equality and humanism, and the university aims to bring this core philosophy to the public through this course. “The university is undertaking a major mission to pass on the Guru’s globally relevant life and timeless teachings to the newer generation,” he said. Around 500 learners from various districts across Kerala have secured admission in the maiden batch of this programme. The event was attended by learners, university statutory officers, and members of both teaching and non-teaching staff. Published - June 07, 2026 07:33 pm IST