Question

What was the primary aim of Narayana Guru’s social activities?
A. Well being of human society
B. Secure temple entry to all the people
C. Elimination of the caste system
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Narayana Guru was a philosopher and a social activist from the Ezavaha caste in Kerala. Born in 1885, he took his education in Vedas, Purana and Upanishads. This sensitised him towards the discriminations and injustices faced by the people and inspired him to lead a path of a religious and social reformer.

Complete answer: Narayana Guru was sensitized towards the castist society of Kerala in the 19th and 20th century. The discriminations, injustices and untouchability faced by the lower caste people made him consecrate temples for the lower caste people which weren’t just Hindu deities but based on the values and ideals of humanity, inscriptions of compassion and love on slabs and even temples dedicated to Buddhism, Adi Shankaracharya and Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at the option;
Option A- The Sivagiri Pilgrimage that was organised by the disciples of Narayana Guru was aimed at the promotion of health care, education, cleanliness, devotion to God, trade and commerce. Handicraft etc. and elaborate lectures were organised for the same. Therefore, the well being of human society was the primary goal of his legacy. So this option is correct.
Option B- The incident of Vaikom Satyagraha happened when Narayana Guru was stopped from entering Vaikom temple. This was aimed at securing temple entries for the lower castes too. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option C- His campaign against casteism and the All Religious Conferences that are held even today were aimed at creating an equal society, free from the brutalities of caste discriminations. So this is also a correct option.
Option D- SInce all the above options are correct, Option (D) is the correct answer.
Thus, Option (D) is the final correct answer.

Note: The Sri Narayana Jayanti celebrated in Kerala is based on the birth date of Narayana Guru to idealise his values of a discrimination-free and equal society which is just for all. This day is observed as a public holiday by the Government of Kerala.