Rons Bantwal
Mangaluru, Sep 13: "To live by and enliven the philosophy one has embraced is the true Dharma. Narayana Guru was a great philosopher who lived and proved this. His lifetime achievements are incomparable. He was an inspiration to live life with pride and dignity. Such saints’ lives are exemplary for all of us," said Dakshina Kannada member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta.
The 171st birth anniversary of Brahmashree Narayana Guru was celebrated with Guru Puja in a grand and joyous manner by Billawa Sangha, Mangaladevi (R), Mangaluru, on Friday. The programme’s chief guest, Capt Brijesh Chowta addressed the gathering.
Arun Aithal, hereditary administrator (Moktesar) of the historic Sri Mangaladevi Temple, Bolara, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. 1008 Swami Sadguru Brahmananda Saraswati Maharaj Chittaishi, Mahamandaleshwar of Sri Panchadashanam Juna Akhada and Sri Rama Kshetra Mahasansthanam, blessed the devotees present with his holy words.
The stage programme, presided over by Rajaratna Sanil, president of Billawa Sangha, was graced by D Vedavyas Kamath, MLA of Mangalore South; renowned multilingual film actor Suman Talwar Poojary; Venkatesh S Poojary Iruvailu, managing director of Sridevi Hospitality Services (SDHS), Silvassa, Gujarat; former mayor and local corporator Premananda Shetty; religious leaders and social workers including A Seetharam, Kumar Poojary (Iruvaiylu), Sadananda Poojary (Shabari Travels), Lokesh Kotian, Suraj Kalya, among others. They addressed the gathering with good wishes and also distributed financial aid from the Sangha to needy and underprivileged families.
Eminent achievers from various fields such as Suman Talwar, Venkatesh S Poojary, Dr Anand Bangera, Harish Kumar, Ayush Prajwal were honoured with the title ‘Gurushree’ and felicitated with awards.
Honors should not turn into pride but should lead to determination. They must inspire more achievers so that they can be welcomed in future public gatherings. Every awardee must become a source of inspiration and motivation for future generations, said Rajaratna Sanil in his presidential address.
The event was attended by honorary president Sadananda Salian, general secretary B Ramananda Poojary, treasurer Rohidas, convener Lalitha B, Deepika Manoj and other office bearers, executive committee members, and devotees who received the blessings of Brahmashree Narayana Guru. Sri Ambamaheshwari Bhajana Mandali, Arekerebailu, Bolara performed devotional singing. The celebrations concluded with the night Mahapuja, distribution of prasadam, and community meal (annaprasada).
B Ramananda Poojary welcomed the gathering and presented the introductory note. The office bearers honored guests with flower bouquets. Dinesh Suvarna introduced the guests, compared the programme, and proposed the vote of thanks.