There are certain experiences in life that remain far beyond ordinary memory. They evolve into moments of inner transformation — moments that deepen one’s understanding of spirituality, civilisation, culture, and national consciousness. The recently concluded National Sangam and Seminar “Rama Rama Pahimam – The Heartbeat of Kerala”, held at Guruvayoor from May 15 to 17, 2026, was one such profound experience in my life.
As an advocate, a student of law, and someone deeply interested in India’s civilisational traditions, I have attended many seminars, public discussions, and conferences across the country. Yet what unfolded at Guruvayoor during these three spiritually vibrant days was something entirely different. It was not merely a seminar or devotional congregation. It became a sacred confluence of devotion, scholarship, culture, spirituality, heritage, and national consciousness.
Organised jointly by the Sai Sanjeevani Charitable Trust and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Sangam attempted to rediscover and reaffirm the timeless relationship between Kerala and Sri Rama — a relationship deeply embedded in Kerala’s temples, literature, sacred geography, folklore, art forms, family traditions, tribal narratives, and collective cultural memory.
Being associated with the coordination of this seminar along with Dr. Ambashankar Vajpayee was itself a deeply enriching experience. What made the event even more meaningful was witnessing saints, scholars, archaeologists, artists, thinkers, devotees, and ordinary people from different backgrounds gathering together on one platform in the spirit of Rama Katha and Sanatana Dharma.
The dedicated efforts of Arun C. Nambiar, Sabita Ranjith, volunteers, and devotees of the Sai Sanjeevani Charitable Trust ensured that the entire programme was conducted with remarkable discipline, warmth, devotion, and spiritual energy.
Blessings from Saints and Spiritual Masters
One of the greatest blessings I personally received during the Sangam was the opportunity to interact with and receive blessings from Juna Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, Maunayogi Swami Harinarayanan, and Swami Sadhukrishnanda.
For anyone connected with spirituality and Indian philosophical traditions, such moments become lifelong memories. Their presence itself elevated the spiritual atmosphere of the entire gathering.
Listening to Swami Anandavanam Bharathi speak about Rama Rajya and the role of Rama Katha in carrying Sanatana Samskriti across the world was deeply inspiring. His observation that many leaders of India’s freedom movement drew inspiration from the ideals of Rama Rajya was particularly thought-provoking.
Similarly, Maunayogi Swami Harinarayanan’s words about the Rama Mantra being the “breath of life” for generations who grew up hearing “Kausalya Supraja Rama” resonated deeply with devotees from Kerala and beyond.
Receiving blessings from these spiritual masters was not merely ceremonial for me; it was a reminder that India’s spiritual traditions continue to remain living realities guiding society even in modern times.
An Enlightening Interaction with K.K. Muhammed Sir
Another unforgettable aspect of the Sangam was my opportunity to interact personally with renowned archaeologist K. K. Muhammed, one of the most respected voices in Indian archaeology and heritage discourse.
For students of history, civilisation, archaeology, and law, listening to K.K. Muhammed Sir is itself a rare educational experience. His insights into Ayodhya, Indian temple heritage, archaeological evidence, and civilisational memory were enlightening and intellectually enriching.
I was particularly fascinated by his insightful observations regarding the reconstruction of temples in Bundelpur and the broader cultural significance of restoring sacred spaces connected to India’s civilisational identity. His reflections made it clear that temples in Bharat were never merely religious structures; they historically functioned as centres of culture, education, philosophy, social organisation, arts, and spiritual continuity.
Our interaction strengthened my understanding of how archaeology can contribute not only to historical research, but also to rebuilding cultural confidence and civilisational continuity in contemporary India.
Justice Sudhir Agarwal – A Rare Learning Experience for a Law Student
As a law graduate and someone deeply interested in constitutional and civilisational issues, listening to former Allahabad High Court judge Justice Sudhir Agarwal was undoubtedly one of the most memorable and intellectually enriching moments of the Sangam.
Every opportunity to listen to Justice Sudhir Agarwal becomes a major learning experience for any student or practitioner of law.
During his address, Justice Agarwal openly spoke about the immense challenges he faced while hearing the Ayodhya case over nearly two years. He explained in English the enormous pressures, life threats, reputational attacks, emotional burdens, and responsibilities associated with delivering one of the most sensitive and historically significant judgements in modern Indian legal history.
Since many ordinary devotees and participants present at the venue were not fully comfortable following the detailed English legal discussion, I had the opportunity to explain the essence of his reflections in Malayalam so that common people could understand the depth and significance of what he was conveying.
What deeply moved the audience was the realisation that the Ayodhya judgement was not merely a legal verdict, but a constitutional and civilisational attempt to peacefully resolve a centuries-old dispute between two communities.
Justice Agarwal also reflected upon the remarkable maturity shown by Indian society in accepting the verdict peacefully without major unrest. That acceptance itself reflected the democratic maturity and civilisational wisdom of Bharat.
As a student of law, listening to Justice Agarwal reinforced an important truth for me: the legal profession is not merely about statutes, procedures, and arguments. At crucial moments in history, it also demands moral courage, constitutional integrity, personal sacrifice, and the ability to withstand enormous pressures in the larger interest of justice and social harmony.
Rama Katha as Kerala’s Living Civilisational Memory
One of the strongest messages emerging from the Sangam was that Sri Rama’s influence in Kerala is neither superficial nor externally imposed. It is deeply rooted in Kerala’s own civilisational journey.
From Thunchath Ezhuthachan’s Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu to the sacred Karkidakam Ramayana recitation tradition, Rama Katha continues to shape Kerala’s spiritual rhythm even today.
Temples such as Triprayar Sri Rama Temple, Thriprangode Sree Rama Temple, and Koodalmanikyam preserve not only devotion, but centuries of cultural continuity.
Similarly, Kerala’s classical and folk traditions including Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Ottan Thullal, and Pavakkoothu continue to preserve and transmit Rama Katha across generations.
The revival of the Attappady tribal art form “Ramarkoothu” during the Sangam was especially emotional and culturally significant. It reminded all participants that Rama Katha belongs not to one section of society, but to the collective cultural consciousness of Bharat.
A Message of Harmony and Civilisational Confidence
One of the most meaningful sessions of the seminar was the presentation titled “Shri Ram — An Islamic Perspective” delivered by Maulana C.P. Sultan Naseer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
The session opened meaningful discussions on coexistence, harmony, and shared human values.
The organisers also arranged Maghrib and Isha prayers for Muslim participants attending the seminar. Such gestures reflected the deeper civilisational confidence of Indian spiritual culture — a confidence rooted not in insecurity, but in mutual respect and cultural maturity.
More than a Seminar — A Civilisational Awakening
As the chants of “Rama Rama Pahimam” echoed through Guruvayoor during the concluding moments of the Sangam, many participants felt that this was not merely the conclusion of a programme, but the beginning of a larger cultural awakening.
At a time when divisive narratives often attempt to reduce Sri Rama into narrow social or political frameworks, this gathering reminded society that Sri Rama remains one of the greatest unifying civilisational forces of Bharat.
The relationship between Kerala and Rama is not accidental. It is historical, spiritual, literary, philosophical, artistic, and deeply emotional.
For me personally, “Rama Rama Pahimam” was not merely an event I attended or coordinated. It became a spiritually enriching and intellectually transformative experience that strengthened my conviction that India’s future cannot be separated from its civilisational roots.
As long as Kerala remembers its sacred traditions, temple culture, spiritual consciousness, art forms, and civilisational heritage, the heartbeat of Rama Katha will continue to resonate across this land.
“രാമ രാമ പാഹിമാം” — may it once again rise as the spiritual heartbeat of Kerala.
