By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Billed as the most exhaustive reference work on great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, Kerala's leading media house Kerala Kaumudi is releasing Kerala Kaumudi Sree Narayana Directory next week.
Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928), a saint, sage and social reformer, was born in an Ezhava family in an era when the Ezhava caste faced social injustice due to its precarious position between the upper and lowest strata in the caste hierarchy.
Gurudeva, as he is fondly called, revolted against casteism and worked on propagating social equality coupled with spirituality.
"This is just not a book but a complete reference book which includes the messages, writings and all intricate details of the great leader Sree Narayana Guru who worked for a new world order," B.C. Jojo, executive editor of Kerala Kaumudi, told reporters here Tuesday.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will release the work Monday by handing over a copy to Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi in the presence of Velapally Natesan, president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam.
"Also included in the reference book are complete details of all organisations of Sree Narayana Guru in 16 states in the country and in the US, the UK, the UAE, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka," Jojo said.
The book, with more than 1,500 pages and rare pictures of Gurudeva, is priced at Rs.800.
Jojo thanked the UAE-based Sevanam, an organisation propagating the Sree Narayana movement, whose 6,500 members contributed by way of advertorials to bring down the cost of the book.