I feel not only delighted but also blessed to be part of the 200th birth anniversary of one of the greatest saints of Bharat, Sri Ramalinga Swamigal, affectionately known as Swami Vallalar. Being a student of Sanathana Dharma, I have read the teachings of many rishis and gurus. Similarly, when I read the teachings and philosophy of Swami Vallalar, I realized that His philosophy belongs to a very ancient tradition. Swami Vallalar stands out as the highest and most resplendent son of this tradition. Unfortunately, some people, out of their ignorance and lack of understanding, have the wrong perception about this Dharma, in which the ancient Rishis and Gnanis have explained the truth about this creation to the common people in a very simple language.
If I were to summarize the essence of their teachings, I would conclude as follows: There is one great Creator who has created everything in the universe, not only human beings but also animals, plants, and even those objects that are inanimate. The Creator is also present in all of His creations. Therefore, we are part of one grand family, the proverbial Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We may look different, we may speak different languages, and our dress and foods may be different, but according to the tenets of this dharma, in deep reality, each one of us has a presence in others and vice versa. Even those who do not accept the principles of this dharma and those who condemn it are also part of this family. There is no exclusion in Sanathana Dharma. The truth "One in All and All in One" can be appreciated by people following various makers or paths. The truth is one, but expressed in different ways.
Our ancestors, as early as 10,000 years ago, neither prayed for themselves nor prayed for their disciples. They prayed for all forms of life.
Lord Krishna says that whenever Adharma rises and Dharma declines, God will appear in the world in human form. This divinity on Earth will restore Dharma to its natural glory. It was in such a background 200 years ago, when Dharma was in a crisis, that Sri Ramalinga Swamigal appeared. At that time, the exploitation of the British was so much. In 1802, Lord William Bentick the Governor of Madras Presidency, wrote a letter to the Governor General of East India Company, Kolkata, stating that "Because of our severe taxation, the people of this presidency, who were once very prosperous, have been reduced to abject poverty. So, I request that you relax the taxation." The company did not agree with this. Then he requested to relax the taxation, at least for a temporary period. But they again refused to do so. The colonial rulers systematically destroyed our agriculture, industry. educational system, and all the institutions of Dharma. Their target was to destroy the sense of selfhood and identity.
Vallalar 200" was conceived as an organized celebration to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Sri Ramalinga Swamigal also known as Thiru Arutprakasa Vallalar. The journey commenced on 5th October 2022, and the first event was conducted in Madurai, a place known for its spiritual and cultural heritage. The occasion was graced by his holiness the Pontiff of Madurai Adheenam.
Subsequent events of celebrations were held at various places such as Trichy, Tiruvaduthurai, Tiruvottriyur, Kallakurichi, Coimbatore and multiple locations in Chennai, aiming to explain to the common man that the teachings and philosophy of Swami Vallalar has a rich heritage and are deeply rooted in Indian tradition. The highlight of these celebrations was the one that was held in Vadalur wherein His Excellency Shri R.N.Ravi, Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu was the chief guest. Besides, a two day international conference on "Vallalar Studies" was also held in Chennai as part of the celebrations. It gives us immense joy to acknowledge that His Excellency Honourable Governor had unveiled a statue of Swami Vallalar inside Tamil Nadu RajBhavan as a gesture of respect for our Swami. The premise hosting the statue is now named as "Vallalar Gardens."
The land of Bharat is not new to Rishis, Gnanis and Yogis. But Swami Vallalar is very unique. He teaches us the philosophies of compassion towards all fellow lives, complete surrender and love for God and The art of deathlessness i.e., To become one with GodHead Arutperunjothi. He is the first spiritual leader to talk to the masses in a very simple and rational language. In this aspect he is a forerunner to Swami Vivekananda. His teachings have inspired millions of people of which famous Tamil poet Bharati, the founders of the Theosophical society Mr Colonel Olcott and Madam Blavatsky, Home rule activist Madam Annie Besant are a few to name.
Keeping all these into consideration and as part of the second centenary celebrations, we feel it is only apt to bring out a book on Biography of Swami Vallalar. Therefore, this book was written and published in three different languages (Tamil, Hindi and English). This book in English is targeted at the beginners who have recently become aware Swami Ramalinga Vallalar and are inquisitive to explore the philosophy of His Holiness. I hope this book will serve as a stepping stone to enter the divine palace which is the philosophy of Swami Vallalar.
I thank the entire team, organizers of celebrations at various places, and all those who made this journey memorable and successful.
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