The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan stressed that the necessary legal and administrative possibilities should be explored to further strengthen moral education for children belonging to the Hindu faith, and that it should be appropriately integrated with the education system and implemented on a broader scale.
The ‘Divine Sacred Gathering – 2026’ event, organized by the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs in connection with the annual festival of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, was held successfully today – on Wednesday (09 September 2026), at the Nallai Thirugnanasampanthar Atheenam Art Hall. Addressing the event as the Chief Guest, Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan made the above remarks.
The Governor noted that, as today’s younger generation lives amidst various forms of information, situations in which they have to determine what is right and what is wrong are increasing day by day and said that in such circumstances spirituality and moral values can serve as strong guides for them. He also stated that knowledge may elevate a person; but morality guides them along the right path.
The Governor pointed out that spirituality is not limited to going to temples and worshipping, but that honesty, love, self-discipline, respecting others, honouring parents, social responsibility and living by refraining from wrongdoing are among its important manifestations.
The Governor stated that a child in whom strong moral values have been instilled is less likely to lose direction when facing various challenges in the future, and said that greater importance should be given to moral education in students’ education.
In addition, he stated that moral schools should not merely be places where lessons are taught for a few hours a week, but should be transformed into centres that build children’s character and personality. He also pointed out that there is a need for the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs to introduce new approaches in this endeavour.
Furthermore, the Governor requested that the Department conduct a comprehensive study on the legal and practical measures that can be taken to further strengthen moral education for children belonging to the Hindu faith, and said that it should also examine how moral education can be appropriately integrated with the general education system.
The Governor noted that Nallur is not merely a temple, but also a symbol of the spirituality and culture of the people of the North, as well as a great heritage monument that connects generations, and stated that the Nallur annual festival serves as a spiritual and cultural gathering that reconnects people living in various parts of the world with their homeland.
The event featured various programmes including devotional music, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, invocation, welcome dance, speeches, cultural performances by students of Hindu religious moral schools and special artistic performances.
The keynote address and blessings were delivered by Sivasri Kailasa Vasatheva Kurukkal. The events were held in the august presence of Srimath Manikavasaka Thambiran Swamigal, the revered South Zone representative of the Tharmapuram Atheenam of Tamil Nadu.
