Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Feb 15: "I went to correct people but they termed me mad.  Look at this irony.  But I am not worried about this.  Rumours have neither identity nor would they live for long," said revolutionary ascetic Acharya Taruna Sagar.

He was speaking to the media at "Veera Bhavan", the residence of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade here on Wednesday February 14.

He said that he was indeed ill after Chaturmasa in Bangalore on January 31. "I had little complication with regard to my health.  But I really fell ill during Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations at Dharmasthala.  So Veerendra Heggade sent me to the city for treatment on a doli (as Jain munis are not supposed travel by vehicle).  Here I underwent treatment and doctors advised me to take enough rest," he said.

But rumours started taking wings immediately especially in North India that the Acharya was serious ill and that he had lost his mental balance.  "So I felt that it was necessary for me to proclaim that I am well.  This is the reason why I addressed this press conference.  My treatment is still on and I would soon be amidst devotees delivering discourses," he added.

He further said that he may deliver a discourse on February 24 and 25 but that again depends on how fast is he going to recover completely, said he.

Noted neuro surgeon Dr C K Ballal and neuro physician Dr I G Bhat who treated the Acharya said that there was nothing serious about his health.  "He had developed "spots of abnormalities' on the back of his brain, which is usually caused owing to vitamin and mineral deficiency.  In Acharya's case it might have been the result of his strict fast too. (He takes food only once in a day).

Dr Veerendra Heggade and Acharya Pramukh Muni Maharaj who had arrived from Hyderabad were also present at the press conference.