Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 15: “If Mysuru Dasara is a symbol of royal splendour, Mangaluru Dasara is a symbol of devotees' splendour. Dasara is not merely a celebration; it is the pride of our heritage, the vitality of economic activity, and a symbol of social unity,” stated chief minister D K Shivakumar.

Shivakumar was speaking on Thursday at the Mangaluru Dasara festival organised at the Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Kudroli. He stated, "The government is committed to the comprehensive development of the coastal region by respecting its culture, religious heritage, nature, and the emotions of its people."

'My thinking is not driven by politics, but by people's lives'

“The government is giving thought to reshaping the coastal region. My thinking is not driven by politics, but by the lives of the people. I care deeply about people's emotions and their livelihoods. The government has pledged to develop the coastal region,” he informed.

"The elders of the coast have already contributed significantly to this region. It is our collective duty to preserve the divine heritage, natural wealth, and cultural uniqueness here. I have come here to walk alongside the coastal people to honour their culture, knowledge, and discipline," he said.

“One cannot imagine the sea without waves. Similarly, Karnataka is incomplete without the coast. I consider this region, comprising Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, as a university of culture and heritage,” he added.

Honouring Tulu language a historic decision

“Friends and legislators from Tulu Nadu came together, setting aside party lines, to request that respect be given to their language. This is not just a matter of language; it is connected to people's emotions, lives, heritage, and history. In this background, I came to Mangaluru, held a cabinet meeting, and took a historic decision to give due honour to the Tulu language. This has brought me immense happiness,” he said.

"It is everyone's responsibility to preserve and nurture the language learned from one's mother. By maintaining the dignity of the language, we must pass the local culture on to future generations," he added.

Mangaluru Dasara a symbol of harmony and humanity

"Mangaluru Dasara is a confluence of joy, harmony, culture, and humanity. There is no room for party politics in temples. Such religious and cultural events where everyone comes together build unity in society. We must achieve progress alongside preserving heritage," he stated.

"Opportunities are also being provided for coastal cultural traditions in Mysuru Dasara. Efforts are underway to introduce traditional coastal sports and cultural activities, including Kambala, in Mysuru," he informed.

'I have come as a devotee to seek God's blessings'

"I did not come to the Kudroli shrine merely for the inauguration of Dasara. I have also come as a devotee to seek the Lord's blessings. After visiting Goddess Mahalakshmi in Udupi, I offered prayers here to Lord Gokarnanatha, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, and sought the blessings of Brahmashree Narayana Guru," he said.

“'Victory to human dharma, peace to the world through righteousness' is the core philosophy of Narayana Guru. We must live on the principles of humanity. Everyone comes to temples to resolve their difficulties, gain peace of mind, and place their hopes and aspirations before God. Today, I too have come among you as a devotee,” he remarked.

“'Even if the effort fails, the prayer will not fail,' I had said at the Chamundeshwari temple. Although some criticised and mocked this statement, I do not wish to dwell on or continue that debate,” he added.

Pledge for governance based on equality

“Just as small rivers join the sea to become an ocean, I have offered prayers at various temples and religious centres across the state and received the blessings of elders. As a result, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the people of the state,” he said.

"During my tenure in power, my duty is to provide clean administration without hurting anyone, bring about as much positive change in people's lives as possible, and treat everyone equally. I am working with the ideal of equal life for all and equal share for all," he said.

Assurance to review three demands

Three key demands were submitted to the chief minister on behalf of the Kudroli shrine: granting 15 acres of land to establish educational institutions in the region, reserving permanent funds in the state budget for the Mangaluru Dasara festival, and issuing an official directive to observe Brahmashree Narayana Guru Jayanti across all schools and colleges in the state.

"I will discuss the demands submitted by this shrine with my colleagues and take an appropriate decision in the coming days. My desire is to leave behind lasting benchmarks in life. Have faith in me. I will make every effort to take decisions aligned with your vision and demands,” he assured.

CM remembers Janardhana Poojary's contribution

“I had lost the assembly elections in 1985. Later, when Janardhana Poojary was the union minister of state for finance, he organised a 'loan mela' in Kanakapura to extend loans to the poor. Back then, even a loan of Rs 5,000 was a significant amount. Around seven to eight thousand people in my constituency received help. That assistance provided great strength to my future political life. Guidance and blessings from senior leaders helped me contest in the zilla panchayat elections, become an MLA, grow as a minister, and reach this position today,” he said.

"By carrying forward Narayana Guru's message and Janardhana Poojary's legacy of service, it is vital to create opportunities for the youth and foster equality and harmony in society," he stated.