R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (EP)
Karkala, Jan 31: "Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka is a festival that strengthens communal harmony. The festival proclaims the message of sacrifice and non-violence to the world. It has also become a confluence of all religions and sends a message of communal harmony," said Oscar Fernandes, member, Rajya Sabha.
He was speaking as chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the 10-day Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka here on Friday January 30.
Oscar Fernandes further said that a sense of fulfillment can be had in one's life by sincerely following the principle of sacrifice instead of chasing insatiable hunger for worldly things. He said that the ideals of religious harmony and coexistence preached by Bahubali should be nurtured and continued.
On the occasion, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade was conferred the title, 'Dharma Dhurandhara' in token of his service, and felicitated in appreciation for his choice for the coveted 'Padma Vibhushana' national honour.
Dr Heggade said that the Mahamastakabhisheka is a symbol of sacrifice. "It is the festival that announces the message of peace, co-existence, equality, and harmony to the world," he said.
"Lord Bahubali always stood for peace, patience, harmonious coexistence and equality. The principles he preached have inspired generations of people to lead ideal lives and achieve salvation," he noted.
"Righteousness has survived because of women who have conserved and nurtured it from the depths of their hearts, not because of men. We have to get inspired to lead an ideal life by being able to see Lord Bahubali within us through the means of devotion and faith," he exhorted.
In his benedictory address, Sri Lalitakeerti Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswami of Jain Math here,speaking on the occasion, felt that the country can achieve genuine and overall progress if politicians imbibe the principles of Jainism followed by Gandhiji like truth, non-violence and exercising control over senses. 'Mahamastakabhisheka is a programme being organized to spread the essence of Lord's life and preaching to the country and world,' he said.
Kshulanirvana Sagara, Chinmaya Sagaramunishree, Pranama Sagara Munishree, 108 Nijanandamunishree and Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakaswami of Jain Math were present on the occasion.
Udupi deputy commissioner Dr Vishal, Police SP Annamalai, Blossom Fernandes, Vijayakumar, D Surendra Heggade, Jeevandar Ballal, Venur Prasad Ajila, Suraj Jain, Pushparaj Jain, Sridhar Kamble, and Padyarabettu Jeevandar Jain were also present.
Dr Vishal, Annamalai, Karkala town municipality official Rayappa, senior assistant director of the department of horticulture Siddalingeshwara, zonal forest official Prakash, Karkala zonal official of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhajanthri, and others were felicitated by the Mahamastakabhisheka committee on the occasion.
Mahamastakabhisheka committee executive president Dr M N Rajendra Kumar gave the keynote address. Committee chief secretary M K Vijayakumar welcomed. Gunapala Kadamba compered the programme. Dr Jeevandar Ballal proposed the vote of thanks.