Message of Gratitude on the Birth Anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru

On the sacred occasion of the Birth Anniversary celebration of Sree Narayana Guru, receiving this great honour from my Sabha, from the hands of the respected Sabha President Sri V Sadasivan Sir, stands as one of the proudest moments of my life.

The gracious presence of respected Gurukula Sreshtan Bhaskaran Achayan, respected Upasreshtan Manjadikkari Mani Achayan, respected Joint Secretary Njan Sundaran, esteemed members of the Gurukula Samithi, and honoured High Council members made that stage an unforgettable memory in my heart.

I accept this award with deep respect and humility. Among all the recognitions I have received in my athletic journey, this honour is truly priceless. The recognition given by my own Sabha brings me the greatest inner joy. Receiving it on Gurudevan's birth anniversary makes it even more meaningful and spiritually significant.

As an International Athletics Coach with more than 25 years of high-performance coaching experience, I have dedicated my life to building athletes who represent our nation with pride. I had the privilege of producing India's first World University Games Long Jump medallist, a historic milestone that brought global recognition to Indian university athletics. My athletes have represented India at international championships, won national titles, and consistently elevated performance standards in track and field.

Over nearly three decades, I have served as a teacher and professor, guiding students academically and professionally. Yet the concept of a Guru is far greater than that of a teacher. A teacher instructs society, while a Guru shapes society. A teacher imparts knowledge, while a Guru instills values, discipline, vision, and character. It is this spiritual foundation that transforms talent into greatness.

Whatever I am today as Dr C Ajithkumar -- coach, mentor, and servant of Indian athletics -- is deeply rooted in the values nurtured by my Sabha. The discipline, integrity, perseverance, and social commitment that I carry into stadiums across the world were first cultivated in the spiritual environment of our community.

I humbly believe that whenever the Indian flag has risen on international athletic platforms through the achievements of my athletes, the unseen strength behind that moment includes the blessings and guidance of my Sabha.

This recognition is not merely for sporting achievements. It is an acknowledgment of a journey shaped by faith, values, hard work, and service.

I dedicate this honour to my Sabha, which moulded my character, and to my beloved parents, who are no longer physically present but remain my eternal guiding light.

With folded hands and a heart full of gratitude.

Dr C Ajithkumar

International Athletics Coach
India