Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers | Third Edition | By Pearson

17

Narayana Guru

—K. Jayaprasad

Narayana Guru (1854–1928) was born in Chempazhanthy village near Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of erstwhile State of Travancore. He was one of the thinkers whose social-cultural approach initiated the social reform process.¹ His positive and constructive methods facilitated the restructuring of the local social relations in Kerala. It was unique as it was contextual and rooted in the local cultural relation. He performed his role as a Sanyasi by creating moral awakening of people without creating any bitterness or ill will in the society. He transformed the most caste-ridden, socially backward society of Kerala, which was termed as a ‘lunatic asylum’ by Swami Vivekananda, into a highly progressive society.