News and Pics From Rons Bantwal
For Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (RD/CN)
 
Mumbai, Jul 28: Sri Sri Vishweshateerta Swamiji of Udupi Pejavar Math has commenced ‘Chaturmasya’ in the city on Sunday, July 27. The Swamiji indicated the beginning of the rite by symbolically lighting a lamp at the branch of the Pejavar Math located at Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (East).
 
‘God has assigned significant duties to every human being.  We have repay our debt to society through social service, just as we compulsorily pay taxes to the government. Social service equals divine service.  We have planned several social welfare programmes to mark the Chaturmasya.  Although it is primarily a religious celebration, it will aim at social welfare with a traditional flavour,’ said the Swamiji.

 
Mohan Ravle, member of Parliament and Shiv Sena leader, was the chief guest on the occasion. He said that Swamiji’s are entrusted with the task of religious service and social service in society.  However, Pejavar Swamiji has been striving for societal reforms by shunning untouchability and by touring the length and breadth of our country, has brought fame to Udupi Pejavar Math, added Ravle.
 
Kripashankar Singh, former home minister of Maharashtra, U Rama Rao, honorary president, Chaturmasya rites committee, Dr A S Rao, executive president, B R Gurumurthy, executive president, Tonse Jayakrishna A Shetty, executive president, publicity committee, Prakash B Bhandary, police officer, Nagarahalli Prahlad Acharya, social activist, and Dharmesh Vyas, advocate were among those present on the dais.
 
Gopal C Shetty, president, Mumbai Pradesh BJP, Indira M Ravle, Billava association vice-president L V Amin, Felix A D'Souza, Vishwanat Bhat Kairabettu, Ramdas Upadhyaya, managing officer of the Mumbai math, Prakash Acharya, Hari Bhat, and Niranjan G, were present on the occasion.
 
Earlier, the Swamiji was greeted by hundreds of devotees as he came out of Santa Cruz domestic airport. Jaya C Suvarna, president, Billava association, along with other office-bearers honoured the Swamiji who was taken in a decorated open vehicle to the venue.  
 
A S Rao welcomed the gathering while Surendra Kumar Hegde, committee executive president and Tonse Vijay Kumar Shetty, compered the programme.