Udupi: Pejavar Swamiji Pledges to Pursue Goal of Strong Hindu Society
by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Dec 13: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt here asserted that he will continue to pursue the twin goals of achieving a unified and strong Hindu society, besides propagating the devotional principles preached by Sri Madhwacharya. He was addressing a mammoth crowd comprising devotees, religious leaders and dignitaries, at a function organized here on Sunday December 12, for felicitating him.
“It has become a habit for me to face opposition and frictions. Encountering criticisms and brickbats from those who want to stick by ancient traditions, and also the so-called intellectuals has become a way of life for me. I have found that it is easier to handle people who are orthodox because they can be convinced with reasoning and showing them clauses from scriptures. However, it is almost impossible to convince the intellectuals, who appear to be allergic towards Hinduism, and seem to be backed by ardent desire to question every move a religious leader makes. For example, if I do not visit the lanes where the dalits live, they question me why I have never been there. If I go, they question my motive. I know that they too know the truth, and they will join the mainstream and live with us harmoniously,” he felt. While saying that he was only following the advice of Madhwacharya to pay the taxes to the government of the Lord in the form of service, he said he had gained more from the society than what he had given to it.
Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of Art of Living Foundation, while saying that Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji has the power to inspire all the other sages, wished that the Swamiji will continue to live for over 100 years, and continue to serve the society as before. He was speaking after releasing the souvenir, ‘Vishwesha Vandana’ brought out on the occasion. He wished that the people of India will pursue the principles of religious inspiration and tolerance towards people belonging to fellow religions.
Chief editor of the souvenir, Bannanje Govindachayrya, hailed Pejavar Swamiji for his humility in getting involved with service of the people in spite of his busy schedule of gaining profound knowledge in Sanskrit, and being busy in religious preaching.
Sri Shivaratrishwara Deshikendra Swamiji from Suttur Mutt, Mysore, who released a Hindi work on Bhagavath authored by Prayaga Swamiji, noted that Pejavar Swamiji has so far, offered whatever he has achieved, to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. He appreciated the Swamiji for realising early in his life that inequality in the society can be gradually decimated, if the Swamijis work for that goal.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who presided over this mega event, said that Pejavar Swamiji can never retire from social service. He invited the entire society to support the Swamiji’s endeavours to enable the Swamiji to continue to render his social service with added determination.
Paryaya Shirur Mutt Swamiji, Swamijis of Krishnapur, Edaneeru, Subrahmanya and Prayag Mutts, apart from the junior Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt, extended their hearty wishes to the Swamiji. State ministers, Suresh Kumar, A Ramadas, Dr V S Acharya, MPs, D V Sadanand Gowda and Nalinkumar Kateel, MLAs, Gopal Bhandary and K Raghupati Bhat, entrepreneurs, K Murali Rao, Ramaprasad, Jayakrishna Shetty, Dr M S Alva, and scores of dignitaries and eminent leaders from different walks of life, were present.
Felicitation Committee general secretary, Raghavendra Acharya, welcomed. Dr H K Sureshacharya compered the programme. Lakshminarayan Rao Mattu proposed vote of thanks.
Bhajans by members of Dasa Sahitya Project Tirupati, and Kolata, added to the devotional atmosphere of the function. Project’s special officer, Anandateerthacharya Pagadala presented the Prasadam of Tirupati temple to the Swamiji. Dr D Veerendra Heggade offered the Prasadam from Dharmasthala to the Swamiji. A dance drama, ‘Ramakatha Vismaya,’ was presented by Nirupama and Rajendra on this occasion.
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