Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31 -- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday addressed the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, where he interacted with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and highlighted the social relevance of Sree Narayana Guru's philosophy in the present times.

Speaking at the event, Vijayan said caste had historically functioned as an instrument of oppression and control, shaping social, economic and legal structures. The Chief Minister also criticised attempts to dilute rational education, stating that some forces were trying to push society backwards by promoting irrational ideas.

"Caste itself functioned as the state and as an instrument of oppression....While some in power elsewhere...