Introduction
Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi is an annual celebration commemorating the birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru, a renowned social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader. His life and teachings continue to inspire people through their emphasis on equality, education, self-respect, and spiritual development.
Sree Narayana Guru played a significant role in challenging caste discrimination and promoting social equality and human dignity. His central message, “Whichever the religion, it suffices if it makes a better man” reflects his vision of a society founded on unity, compassion, and equality. He brought together spiritual reform and social transformation, encouraging communities to pursue education, organisation, economic development, and self-respect. His institutions and teachings contributed greatly to the upliftment of marginalised communities and continue to remain relevant in today’s world.
Celebrations at SNM
Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) started off as a small communal society in 1946, housed in a small hut in the northern part of Singapore. A group of migrant workers from Kerala came together at the hut to discuss Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings and held prayers. In 1947, Mr Lim Chong Pang, a philanthropist, donated a piece land at 48 Soon Keat Road in Sembawang and the communal society slowly started taking shape. By 1948, it became an organisation and officially registered on June 18, 1948, as Singapore’s 109th society.
It has since grown into one of the country’s most established eldercare providers, operating nursing homes, Senior Care Centres and Active Ageing Centres. It’s social and community service are open to all, regardless of race or religion, reflecting the Guru’s teaching that dignity and care are owed to everyone.
Guru Jayanthi is traditionally celebrated during the festive period of Onam, which falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam. This year, the Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) Singapore’s celebrations were held at the Yishun Secondary School. The occasion brought together a large gathering of members, staff, residents, partners, friends and their families, reflecting the strong community spirit and enduring values inspired by Sree Narayana Guru.
The Guest-of-Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, graced the occasion together with an entourage of distinguished guests. These included Dr Syed Harun Ahabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development and Ministry of Education, Ms Lee Hui Ying, MP for Nee Soon GRC (Nee Soon South), Ms Mariam Jaffar, Mr Vikram Nair and Ng Shi Xuan, MPs for Sembawang GRC and Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo, Adviser to Aljunied GRC Grassroots Organisation (Eunos). They were warmly received by the SNM Management Committee, led by President Mr Anil Sarasijakshan and CEO Mr S. Devendran.
Cultural Concert
The 2026 festivities featured a vibrant array of cultural performances and a traditional sadya lunch.
The cultural concert, organised by volunteers, was truly an eye-opener, showcasing spectacular Indian traditional and contemporary dances performed by various groups. The event was further enriched by talented artistes who rendered popular and evergreen songs in Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil. Collectively, these performances captured the essence of India’s vibrant cultural heritage, vividly portraying its history, spiritual depth, and artistic traditions.
Sadya
The sadya was a massive vegetarian feast of flavours, served as Annadanam to any guest who attends the event. The food was donated by members and was prepared by volunteers and served on fresh, clean banana leaves. It consisted of 22 authentic items including rice, side dishes, savouries, pickles and desserts, all served at different times of the meal. The meal ended with two types of payasams for a sweet finish and the crowds truly enjoyed the meals
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
This occasion also offered an opportunity to embrace our shared humanity through collaboration with local social agencies and community networks, focusing on the renewal and care of low-income families and elderly residents.
Amidst the Guru Jayanthi celebrations, it also strengthened three important partnerships through significant inauguration of two MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and a membership agreement with the Rotary Club Singapore, Cheng Hong Welfare Society, HEB-Ashram and Ageing Asia. Each agreement reflected a shared intent to make a meaningful difference.
- Rotary Club Singapore and Cheng Hong Welfare Society focuses on the Rotary Connects Seniors-Queenstown Legacy Project. It covers volunteer capability building, training in dementia awareness, befriending, caregiver support, advance care planning and information and referral support for seniors in Queenstown community.
- HEB – Ashram focuses on providing individuals with opportunities for rehabilitation, skills development and reintegration, giving them a pathway to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Ageing Asia Alliance, with whom SNM (Singapore) has a Gold Corporate membership, creates opportunities for sector engagement, knowledge-sharing and participation in initiatives focussing on ageing and eldercare.
Lucky Draw
This was the finale worth waiting for as theelement of surprise and anticipation added excitement and kept the guests entertained during the event.
Other Events
Other events included a Guru Jayanthi 2026 Guru Pujawhich was heldon Friday, 28 August 2026, from 8.00 am to 9.00 am at SNM Nursing Home @ Chong Pang.
On the same day, a Guru Jayanthi Discoursewasheldat the SNM Nursing Home @ Chong Pang at 7.30 pm. It was chaired by Mr Jayadev Unnithan and about 60 members and friends attended the event. The topic for discussion was “Hinduism in Changing Times: Continuity or Transformation?” Three speakers discussed Revered Sree Narayana Guru’s impact on the social fabric of Kerala, through his works and teachings of Hindu philosophy. In addition, six youths shared their perspectives on the topic, “Hinduism in Changing Times.”
By Ambika Raghavan