Pics: Umesh Marpalli
With Inputs from R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (HB)
Updated
Karkala, Jan 28: "We can achieve fulfillment in our lives by following the core essence of Jainism and inculcating the principles of lord Bahubali," said chief minister Siddaramaiah.
He was speaking as a chief guest at a religious meet organized as part of the ongoing Mahamastakabhisheka of lord Bahubali here on Wednesday January 28.
"People should break down the walls separating them and come together and live as children of the same mother. If we do this, it would be the perfect way to honour lord Bahubali," Siddaramaiah added.
"The essence of any religion is the welfare of mankind. Sages, saints and social reformers have for centuries spread the values of religion. No matter what religion or caste we belong to, we are first and foremost humans. Religion is our way of life. Religion should make people's lives better. Bahubali propogated this message centuries ago, and it is relevant even now," the CM said.
"Evil forces have forgotten humanity and are trying to break the society. Terrorism has made it impossible for people to live in peace. Only through sacrifice, non-violence and love can we have peace in society. We won our freedom through non-violence. Let this Mahamastakabhisheka inspire us to eliminate feelings of hatred and discrimination and live in harmony," he said.
The CM also said that Rs 15 crore given to the Mahamasthakabhisheka is the highest amount allotted so far by any government, and that it was released soon after the district incharge minister made a request.
Siddaramaiah praised Dr Veerendra Heggade on receiving the Padma Vibhushan award. "Dr Heggade received this award for his dedicated service to the society. Dr Heggade's relentless service is unparalleled. The whole state is happy about his achievement," he said.
The CM added, "Karkala is the stronghold and sacred place of Jains. We have many religions and languages in this land, but we are all equal. Every religion preaches tolerance towards others.
"Our government is committed to social justice. Every person should get justice. That is our mission," he added.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade said, "Religion teaches us peace and tolerance. The aim of the Mahamastakabhisheka is to inspire people of all religions to join together and walk in the path of righteousness.
"The messages of lord Bahubali are relevant to the whole world. Karnataka has four statues of Bahubali, and in a way, Karnataka has been a symbol of peace for centuries. The onus is on us to carry forward this heritage and preserve this tradition," he said.
Energy minister D K Shivakumar said that he felt fortunate to participate in the programme. "Our culture is the asset of our land. Let the spirit of sacrifice and service spread far and wide through this Mahamastakabhisheka."
Chairman of Alva's Foundation Dr Mohan Alva also spoke on the occasion. Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharyawarya Maha Swamiji of Kanakagiri Jain Math blessed the occasion.
Ministers Mahadeva Prasad, U T Khadar, Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake and Abhaychandra Jain, MLAs Pramod Madhwaraj and Mohiuddin Bawa, MLC Ivan D'Souza and many others were present.
Earlier Report
Karkala: Will convince Jarkiholi to withdraw resignation: Siddaramaiah
Pics: Umesh Marpalli / R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (HB)
Karkala, Jan 28: A day after excise minister Satish Jarkiholi tendered his resignation from the state cabinet, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday Janury 28 said that his resignation would not be accepted without discussions and that efforts would be put in to convince him to change his decision.
He was speaking to reporters after landing at the helipad in Swaraj Maidan here. He is here to participate in the ongoing Mahamastakabhisheka of lord Bahubali.
"We will not accept Jarkiholi's resignation so soon. We will hold discussions and then take a decision. I spoke to him last night and will do so again this evening. We will convince him to take back the resignation," he said.
Asked about his visit to Tirupati in the wake of controversy over Arkavathi denotification issue and former prime minister and JD(S) supremo Deve Gowda's remarks that he had gone there to 'wash his sins', Siddaramaiah said, "I went there to offer prayers at the temple. I am not superstitious like Deve Gowda, nor am I an athiest."
On Deve Gowda's repeated demand for his resignation, the CM said, "Who is Deve Gowda to demand my resignation over Arkavathi issue? Why is he so interested?"
On the grant of Rs 15 crore from the state government to Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations, he said the entire amount had been utilized well for the event.
Youth services and sports minister Abhaychandra Jain, urban development minister and district incharge Vinay Kumar Sorake, minister for forests Ramanath Rai, MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLA Sunil Kumar, MLA Mohiuddin Bava and others were present.