Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Nov 6: “Kanaka Nade activists had cleaned the area within Krishna Math and not the Car Street. No rules were broken during Kanaka Nade. I had said that processions and Bhajans can be held in Car Street as there was no objection for it from authorities,” clarified Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

He was addressing reporters on Saturday, November 5.

“Those people who attended the programme were against untouchability. It is wrong to say that Dalits were used to clean the places. All had participated equally in it. Some are unnecessarily creating enmity between Dalits and upper caste Hindus. There is no connection between cleaning process and Dalits. People from outside Udupi also had come for the programme,” Swamiji added.

Regarding allegations by Dalit leaders that Dalit child workers were made to work and rewarded during Kanaka Nade, he said that he is not aware of it. “There were young children. All children who participated were rewarded. I did not know that they were child workers, ” Swamiji said.

Regarding criticism that Kanakadasa is not being respected at the Math, he said that Kanakadasa idols are installed inside and outside Math prominently. “There was propaganda while Kanaka tower was demolished also. The tower was built in 1910 during the reign of Krishnapura Swamiji. I had called people who opposed for discussion then, but they did not come,” he said.

To questions by reporters regarding Tippu Jayanthi, he said that there is enough confusion on the subject. “Both the parties concerned should meet and hold discussions on it.” he opined.