Narayana Guru (1856–1928)

Narayana Guru was a Kerala social reformer and philosopher who challenged caste hierarchy through spiritual humanism. Born into an Ezhava family, he established temples open to all castes and preached “One caste, one religion, one God for humankind.” His message emphasized compassion, equality, and moral upliftment. Though spiritual, his ethics were deeply humanist and anti-caste.