People often take double standards in matters of caste and religion and this duality creates a lot of problems and complexities in our society, T K A Nair, Adviser to the Prime Minister, has said. He was speaking after inaugurating the 125th anniversary celebrations of the consecration of the Aruvippuram Shiva idol by Sree Narayana Guru here on Saturday. Nair added that those who preach for a casteless and harmonious society strongly hold on to caste and religion whenever they want to take a decision on personal matters.
Though Kerala society has moved forward a long way on the path of progress in terms of social equality from the age of Sree Narayana Guru, divisive forces are still active here, he said. “If everyone could admit it is only natural that the ways towards the realisation of ultimate truth can be different, no one can nurture the feeling that his religion is superior to that of others. One who preaches hatred towards other religions cannot be considered a true believer. No religious faith demands its followers to hurt the feelings of others or to annihilate others,” he further said. State Women’s Commission chairperson K C Rosakutty Teacher, C H Mohammed Moulavi and others spoke on the occasion. Mohanan Ponnambath presided over the function. K P Rathnakaran and K P Balakrishnan, presidents of Jagannath Temple, Thalassery, and Sundareswara Temple, Kannur, respectively, draped the guests with ponnada.