Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)
Udupi, Sep 9: Karnataka governor, Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, launched ‘Aasare' scheme of Sri Ganeshotsav Samithi, Kadiyali here at the golden jubilee of the annual Ganeshotsav celebrations of the Samithi here on Thursday, September 8.
'Asare' happens to be a scheme of adopting of orphans and providing financial assistance for them till their education is completed.
Vajubhai Vala congratulated the Samithi members for conceiving such a noble scheme and for adopting children in order to make them educated towards helping them to become self sufficient and become respectable citizens. He recalled a popular saying, ‘Gods reside at places where a woman is worshipped'.
He said that Lord Ganpati is the best example for women empowerment. He also called upon everyone to worship their mothers and fortify women power. "Only then we can protect our Hindu dharma. But now the ratio of women as against male population is dwindling with passage of time," he observed with concern.
A true protector of religion is the one who equally respects other religions. Religion is important for our lives. One should have religious feelings, he said, adding that those who are brave and assertive get respect in the society.
He also went on to add that Indians are prepared to lay down their lives for protecting their religion. One who does not have enough courage to face difficulties cannot be termed as a true human being. There is a need for the people to be prepared to walk that extra mile to help the nation to get rid o its problems, he stressed.
He further observed, "if one loses a feeling of patriotism and pride towards his or her nation, the power of religion also gets weakened. No one needs to become corrupt and no one should live under constant threat to our nation."
There is a need to strengthen our soldiers in order to maintain peace and harmony in our country, he added.
He also warned the trouble mongers that Indians never hurt others, but if someone hurts them, they will not allow the attackers to go without getting punished.
We should uphold our rich culture and handle our problems with courage and conviction, he felt. He also heartily wished that this Ganesha Chaturthi will get divine support for driving away vices and bad habits of the people.
Sri Brahmananda Saraswath Swamiji of Sri Gurudev Math, Dharmasthala, in his benedictory address, asked people to follow the principles of truthfulness and righteousness. "Along with this, one should be sincere and devoted towards his work, and what he does. Parents should inculcate lessons of human values among their children," he advised.
"We should adopt spirituality in our lives. One should burn down the enemies within, which are hiding inside our hearts," he added.
A true 'Rama Rajya' concept will get truly established only when people follow truth and religion in their lives, the Swamiji opined.
Dakshina Kannada MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, speaking on the occasion, said, 'Hindu religion is the only religion that has given peace to the world. Now rationalists have come to spread a new kind of terrorism in the nation. They have stooped to the extent of insulting Goddess Durgaparameshwari of Kateel through internet. Organizations should bring people together, but certain groups are hell bent on dividing people through false propaganda and distasteful posts on the internet. There are both Shastras(scriptures of knowledge) and Shastras (weapons) in Hindu society, but we have kept our weapons hidden," he stated.
He hoped that the Ganeshotsav Committee here will contribute towards enriching Indian culture and instilling good Samskara (refinement) among people of the community.
President of the committee and former MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, presided over the function and welcomed the gathering.
Guest, Jayant Patel, an MLA from Gujarat, was present.
Raghavendra Kini, general secretary of Ganeshotsav committee, proposed vote of thanks.
P Vasant Bhat, convener and others were also present on the occasion.
Vijayendra Vasant compered the programme.