It's very difficult to separate personal life from other things and work - Harini

A recent explanation by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, detailing how Professor Sri Ananda, a pioneering figure who lived in India and introduced Indian philosophy to the Western world, became a hero to her, has been shared online. Professor Sri Ananda, also known as Swami Sri Ananda Acharya (1881–1945), who was acclaimed as the 'Sage of Tron Mountain' in Norway, was a pioneering figure who brought Indian philosophy to the Western world.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Sri Ananda was an active member of the Indian independence struggle and faced intense scrutiny and pursuit by British authorities due to his resistance movements against British rule. He authored over thirty works, including philosophical texts, song lyrics, plays, and a culinary book, making a significant literary contribution to nurturing Indian and Western thought.

The Prime Minister's explanation about him is as follows:

"Often I see that our personal life is one thing, our professional life is another, and our militant or struggle life is yet another.

It is not easy to act with the same principles and the same conscience (recognized conscience) within all three of these circles. But for Professor Sri Ananda, being principled and humane is not just a label or a cover. That is what determines who Professor Sri Ananda is.

In that regard, there is no contradiction between Professor Sri Ananda's teaching activities or academic life, his life of struggle, and his personal life. These are not contradictory to each other. That openness and acting in accordance with principled positions is something that is very clearly seen in every aspect.

So that is the main reason that surprised me and influenced me to consider Professor Sri Ananda a 'hero'. Although it is difficult in our lives, Professor Sri Ananda was someone who lived that way.

Especially as someone who has been and still is in all three of those circles, I know very well how difficult it is. That is why I have great respect or devotion in my heart for Professor Sri Ananda for being able to maintain it with such principled integrity. (I think Professor Sri Ananda might not agree with using these words).

Even in difficult situations, I have gained from him the courage and openness to take unpopular stances. I still learn those things from him today."

Watch the video related to this event ›