Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 3: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state government will provide five acres of land in either Udupi or Mangaluru for establishing a branch of Kerala’s renowned Sivagiri Math.
The announcement came during the inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the historic dialogue between Sri Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the centenary of Sri Narayana Guru’s Mahasamadhi, held at the Mangalore University campus in Konaje.
The event was organised under the joint auspices of Sivagiri Math, Varkala, and the Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair of Mangalore University.
Siddaramaiah said, “As requested by Sivagiri Math, senior leaders including B K Hariprasad will identify suitable land for this purpose.”
Speaking on the Guru–Gandhi dialogue, K C Venugopal, chairperson of the Lok Sabha Public Accounts Committee, highlighted the enduring relevance of their philosophies. “The principles of Basavanna, Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru are enshrined in our Constitution. Yet today, this very Constitution faces threats. The historic 1925 dialogue between Gandhi and Narayana Guru, held during a time of both the freedom struggle and rampant social inequality, was a milestone for social justice. It ultimately inspired the Vaikom Satyagraha,” he said.
Presiding over the event, Speaker U T Khader announced plans to name the venue “Guru–Gandhi Maidan” and allocate funds for a park and sports facilities. He added, “Development is not just roads and bridges; it is creating an environment where people of all religions and communities walk hand in hand.”
B K Hariprasad, chairperson of the centenary committee, recalled, “In 2013, I provided Rs 35 lac from my MLC funds to establish the Narayana Guru Chair at Mangalore University. Former MP Nalin Kumar and MLC Harish Kumar each contributed Rs 10 lac. When additional funds were requested, the chief minister sanctioned Rs 2 crore. Now, the five acres for the Sivagiri Math branch will be identified.”
Dignitaries present included Sivagiri Math secretary Shubhagananda Swamiji, home minister Dr G Parameshwara, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, women & child welfare minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi, housing & waqf minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, former union minister B Janardhana Poojary, MLAs Ashok Rai, Harish Poonja, Rajesh Naik, Dr Bharath Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, Bhagirathi Murulya, MLCs Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D’Souza, former ministers B Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake and Abhayachandra Jain, Congress leaders and office-bearers. Mangalore University vice-chancellor Prof Dharma welcomed the gathering.
Sivagiri Math secretary Swami Sachchidananda said, “Our intention is to establish a branch in Karnataka, and we appeal to the Chief Minister to provide the required land.” A formal memorandum was submitted through K C Venugopal.
The centenary celebrations in Ullal emphasised human brotherhood, religious tolerance, truth and non-violence. Leaders from diverse religious and social backgrounds spread messages of equality, friendship, and peace. Speakers included BK Hariprasad, Swami Rithambharananda of Sivagiri Math, Swami Jitakamanandaji of Ramakrishna Mission, writers Syed Panakkad Munavar Ali and Shihab Thangal, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, scholar Ganesh Devi, Brahmakumari Veena Behanji, Bishop Mar James Pattiril, Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Dhammatisso, and other dignitaries.
After the programme, chief minister Siddaramaiah savoured a special coastal-style meal at the Cauvery Guest House in Mangalore University. The menu featured anjal, kane, and pomfret fish fry, nati chicken, neer dosa, appam, prawn ghee roast, anjal tawa fry, live appam preparation, and boiled rice, reflecting Mangaluru’s rich culinary heritage. The food was sourced from a reputed local restaurant to ensure authentic flavours. Following the meal, Siddaramaiah joined a tea gathering at the residence of former Konaje Grama Panchayat president Nazar Sha.