Kollam, March 6 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, emphasized on Friday that the principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion championed by Mahatma Gandhi and the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru are intricately woven into the fabric of India's constitutional values. This statement was made during the inauguration of the centenary celebration of their notable meeting at Asramam Maidan in Kollam.

Speaking to a large audience, Rahul Gandhi expressed his pride in being part of an event that honors the encounter between these two significant figures, referring to them as "two giants, Guruji and Gandhiji."

He reflected on the historical meeting, pondering what the atmosphere might have been like a century ago. "They likely gathered in a modest setting, devoid of opulence or extravagance," he stated, suggesting that their discussion would have centered around the core themes of truth and non-violence.

“When giants convene, they maintain humility. In contrast, encounters among the small-minded often breed arrogance,” noted Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the moral integrity of these two leaders compared to contemporary political interactions.

He pointed out that the values promoted by Sree Narayana Guru resonate within the Constitution of India. "Many argue that the Constitution is merely a document adopted post-Independence. However, reflecting on Guruji’s teachings, it becomes evident that these values, such as respect for the vulnerable and safeguarding the marginalized, are indeed embedded in our Constitution," he remarked.

Sharing a story from Guruji’s life, he recounted an incident involving stolen mangoes from the ashram. The police apprehended the culprits and treated them harshly. Guruji insisted that he would not return to the ashram if violence were inflicted upon them, believing that understanding their motives was crucial, thus exemplifying compassion and forgiveness.

Rahul Gandhi drew a comparison to India’s freedom struggle, asserting that while the British Empire wielded significant force, it lacked moral authority. “The British had power, but no moral strength. Gandhiji possessed no force, yet he held the truth, which was the ultimate power,” he declared.

He further stated that today's political landscape reflects a similar dichotomy. “On one side, there exists truth and non-violence; on the other, there may be power, but it can never encompass the values upheld by Gandhiji,” he asserted.

Rahul Gandhi concluded by stating that both Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru firmly opposed hatred and violence. “It’s easy to place flowers at a statue, but the real test lies in our willingness to embody their ideologies,” he remarked.

Leaders from various political and social organizations were present at the ceremony that commemorated the historic meeting, symbolizing the intersection of India's freedom movement with Kerala's influential tradition of social reform.