Kerala MP urges Centre to install Sree Narayana Guru's statue in Parliament building
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): As the state observes 96th death anniversary of saint-social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim requested the Centre to install his statue in the upcoming second phase of Parliament art project.
Guru was a visionary social reformer, philosopher and spiritual leader who made significant contributions to our society, the CPI (M) leader said in a recent letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi.
His teachings and principles continue to inspire millions of people and promote the values of equality, social justice and spiritual enlightenment, he said.
"By installing a sculpture of Sree Narayana Guru within the premises of our Parliament, we would be paying homage to a great soul whose work has had a profound impact on our nation's social fabric," the MP pointed out.
In the letter, he also stated that the presence of Guru's sculpture within the Parliament building would not only be a source of inspiration for our elected representatives but also serve as a reminder of our commitment to the ideals of equality, justice and inclusivity that form the bedrock of our democracy.
The Left leader also said that he was awaiting a positive response from the union minister in this regard.
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National Synodal Assembly 2026 begins in Bengaluru with over 220 delegates
Bengaluru: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) on May 1 inaugurated its National Synodal Assembly 2026 at St. John’s Medical College, bringing together more than 220 delegates from across the country under the theme Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.
The assembly is part of the global synodal process initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis, which calls for greater participation, dialogue and shared responsibility within the Church. In India, the process has involved consultations at diocesan, regional and national levels.
Participants at the assembly include two Cardinals, 25 Bishops, 65 priests, more than 20 women religious, and over 100 lay faithful, including youth and women leaders.
The gathering began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Filipe Neri Ferrão. In his homily, he described the assembly as a moment of grace and discernment and called on delegates to walk together in prayer, listening and missionary commitment.
He spoke about the importance of the Risen Christ in the mission of the Church and urged the faithful to be witnesses of the Gospel. Referring to the conversion of St Paul, he said every baptised person has a role in spreading the message of Christ. He also highlighted the example of St Joseph the Worker, stressing the dignity of labour and the call to holiness in everyday life.
The formal inauguration included the invocation of the Holy Spirit through Veni Creator Spiritus and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Deputy Secretary General Fr. Stephen Alathara welcomed the delegates and described the gathering as a spiritual journey.
In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão referred to the CCBI pastoral plan titled Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033 and called on participants to build on the vision outlined at the 36th Plenary Assembly held in Bhubaneswar in 2025.
Delegates will reflect on four key themes identified from 16 pastoral priorities: interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, inclusion of the excluded, poverty and integral ecology, and support for children and youth.
The discussions are being conducted through a method of spiritual conversation aimed at encouraging listening, dialogue and collective decision-making. The focus is on translating these discussions into practical actions within the Church.
The assembly also looks ahead to the Jubilee Year 2033, which will mark 2,000 years of the Redemption, and aims to strengthen the Church’s mission in the coming years.
Further consultations are scheduled for September 2026, with the process expected to conclude at the 38th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI in January 2027.
Organisers said the assembly seeks to strengthen unity within the Church and promote participation of all sections, including women and youth, in shaping its future direction.
