Pics: Meryick D' Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Dec 14: "The chief minister should initiate a fund through which recovered black money can be utilized for the welfare of differently-abled, widows, mentally-challenged, HIV-affected and cancer patients. It is necessity to find money made through illegal means. If the government does not utilize this money for good reasons, the habit of making money by sinful ways for personal gains will increase," said Veerabadra Chennamalla Swami of Nidumamidi Math.

Addressing reporters here on Sunday December 14, he said, "Nowhere in the world can the circulation of black money and counterfeit currency be stopped. This money should be used for social welfare. Otherwise this money will be wasted for unnecessary reasons. It can be done through law." 

Commenting on the incident wherein parents in Mysuru refused to allow their children to eat food prepared by a Dalit cook, the Swamiji said, "This is not first case. Several cases came to light when the Midday meal was introduced. This type of practice clearly shows that we still have not come out from the practice of untouchability.

"Moreover, we are still following the concept of feudalism. Though we have strict laws, the practice of untouchability is still prevalent. Except at the Muzari temples, Dalits are not allowed in several temples and untouchability still exists in society. This inhuman practice can only be corrected through dialogue and change of mindset."

Answering a question on the failure of political parties in bringing about social reformation, he said, "Political parties only enter into the social reformation work when it does not affect their vote bank. When it affects their vote bank, they simply stop doing good deeds."

On the failure of religious heads and Maths in campaigning to abolish evil practices, he said "In olden days, Maths were established by religious heads belonging to upper class. But later during the time of Independence, there came the awareness within the backward class about Swamijis and about the Maths. They thought Maths would be helpful to solve the problems of
their community. Maths only represent their own communities. These Maths which emerged from Varana system failed to cross the social barriers. Maths only adapted social reformation during the time of Independence after Dr Ambedkar and Gandhiji supported it." he said.

"Nidumadi was the first Math which allowed Dalits to perform rituals, and appointed a Dalit priest into the temple.These experiments are made to show that all human beings are equal. Later the slow transformation took place. As many as 150 Swamijis had lunch cooked by the Dalits in Basava Kalyana. Universal effort is required to abolish untouchablity and other inhuman practices."

On Pejawar Swamiji he said, "Three years ago, we met him twice for dialogue on the issue of Made Snana. As per my knowledge in coastal Karnataka, Pejawar Swamiji is only Swamiji who has the progressive thinking, He speaks on reformation and he has social concern. In the coastal area, no other Swamiji is responding to social needs except the Pejawar Swamiji."

Commenting on the belief that Maths have much wealth, "There is misconception that all Maths have black money. There are rich Maths as well as poor Maths. There are several swamijis who have no food to eat and place to stay. There many simple Swamijis."

On not taking part in Nudsiri and attending Jana Nudi he said, "I will not attend programmes organized by the capitalist systems. Why should I attend the programmes which are conducted to protect the vested interest of capitalists? I will only attend programmes which are conducted with the intention of helping the common man."

Regarding inclusion of Dharmasthala and Udupi Sri Krishna temple in the Muzrai, the Swamiji said, "There is a barrier to bringing Dharmasthala temple under the Muzrai department because the administration of the temple has come from inheritance. The government should enact universal policy for this. Presently people are not in favour of nationalization of temples. This awareness has disappeared. If the government enacts policy to nationalize Maths, I i will be the first to welcome it."

On the intervention of some swamijis in communal issues, he said, "Indian have always lived a harmonious life. There was no hatred. Fundamentalism erupted because of political reasons. Society is shattered into pieces in the name of class and religion. We should work towards joining hearts. Fundamentalism and terrorism are political creations."