Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 17: As a prelude to the programme slated to be organized on April 19 at Mudipinnar shrine premises, which aims at sensitising women towards the virtues of righteousness and to eradicate the menace of untouchability, Padapuja of Sri Shashikantha Mani Swamiji of Kashi Kalabhairaveshwara shrine at Kanyana Balekody was performed by leader of Havyaka Brahmins and director of Ammembala Service Cooperative Bank, Mudipu, T G Rajaram Bhat on Thursday April 16.

Bhat performed Padapuja by offering milk to the feet of the Swamiji. A number of people who had gathered at the programme also performed Padapuja and got blessings of the Swamiji. Zilla panchayat vice president, Sathish Kumpala, zilla panchayat member, Santoshkumar Boliyar, Dharmajagruti Samiti president, Navin Padalpady, Sandesh M Dinkar, Jayanth, and Mundaje Balakrishna were among the leaders who were present.

Delivering benedictory address on the occasion, Shashikanth Swamiji felt that untouchability can be eradicated only if awareness is created among all sections of the people right from the lowest strata of the society. He called upon people to keep organizing social programmes towards realizing this objective.

Organizer of the programme, T G Rajaram Bhat, said that it will not be enough if one keeps harping about Hindu unity. He said that sincere efforts need to be put forth to achieve this end. Bhat said that by working to remove the bane of untouchability, the task of Hindu unity can be achieved in a better way without problems.

It is gathered that Shashikantha Swamiji commands respect and patronage not only from a particular community, but he has devotees and followers in all the communities.