Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 12: The Padma Vibhushan award conferred on the late Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji, former head of Pejawar Math here, got a grand welcome when Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamji, disciple of Sri Vishwesha Theertha and current head of Pejawar Math reached here with the award on Thursday November 11. The 'Padma Vibhushan' award was conferred posthumously on Sri Vishwesha Theertha and Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha had visited New Delhi to receive the award from the President of India.
Sri Vishwaprasanna Swamiji, who brought the award, was taken in a grand procession from Sanskrit College to car street accompanied by tableaux, chande, chanting of Vedic hymns etc. Later, the Swamiji invoked the grace of Lord Sri Krishna. A floral tribute was paid to the award by the Swamijis and dignitaries who were present.
Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji said, “If my Guru, Sri Vishwesha Theertha was alive, he would have felt much happier. He never got older. He was a true spiritual leader for all of us. The award was conferred on him in recognition of his distinguished personality and exemplary services to the society. The award conferred on him has in fact enhanced the importance and value of the award. Deep within, the sadness arising out of his absence continues to hurt, but still he was a motivational leader for all of us. Even President Ram Nath Kovind recalled the graceful presence of Pejawar Swamiji. We were blessed to have such a great spiritual scholar. May the light of his ideology guide our path,” he said.
Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji of Palimaru math, said “Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji was liked and held in high respect by the leaders of all the different religions. He never stopped worshipping Lord Krishna even for a day. He had visited the site of Ram Mandir to render Karaseva twice. He is not there with us physically, but we believe that he is always there with us as a guiding force.”
Sri Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Admar math, commented, “He never expected anything from the others in return for his services. That is why he got this prestigious award. In his absence, we are celebrating the award conferred on Pejawar Swamiji posthumously. But, we are seeing him in Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji. He got this award for his selfless service. Let us all follow and adopt his ideologies in our lives.”
Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Math said, “Sri Vishwesha Theertha was like a lotus. Lotuses bloom when they are touched by the sunrays. His touch helped many virtuous persons to bloom. The award has got special significance after it was bestowed on Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji."
Sri Vidyarajeshwara Theertha Swamiji, junior seer of Palimaru math said, “The late Pejawar Swamiji believed that knowledge and Karma (effort) are important to achieve salvation. He never gave up his diplomacy and spirituality throughout his life. Hence, he is known as the supreme scholar.”
Pramod Madhwaraj, former minister, appreciated the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the selection of achievers for Padma Vibhushan award. "I do not feel jealous of Modi's nature as far as this issue is concerned,” he stated.
Shyamala Kundar, member, National Commission for Women and Sumithra Nayak, president, City Municipality council, were present.
MLA Raghupati Bhat welcomed the gathering and Murali Kadekar compered the programme.