News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai (CLP)
Mumbai, Aug 5: The famous South Kanara Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji, well-known as Thenkanna Ganagapura Sri Gurudevadattha Sansthanam, Sri Datthaguru Viranjeya Swami of Vodeyar along with Sadwi Sri Shrimathanandamayi arrived at the Santa Cruze airport on Sunday August 3.
He was welcomed by president of Guruseva Balaga Maharastra branch Kadandale Parari Prakash L Shetty along with office bearers and was presented with flower garlands.
Addressing the press Swamiji said, "Our land is mother of variety of cultures, land of saints. The youth need to be made aware of the legends born in the country and the essense of Indian soil, only then a bright nation wil be created. India was well-known to the world for peace and prosperity, but has now been influenced by the forces of injustice, terrorism, rape; this is really sad."
"Life is vain without religious values. The present religions are ahead in preaching but slow in practicing them. We need to ponder over this and find a solution. The younger generation has to be taught about their social duties only then we will be able to make our nation shine again," he added.
Swamiji stressed on the point that without values religion will not grow. "Values are the foundation of religion. In this modern world we need to live by practicing values in our lives, but if we forget to follow the values it will lead to imbalance in the society," he said.
"India is a role model to other countries because of our good values and culture," he continued. Swamiji also spoke on the occation of friendship day. He said, "Friendship grows because of love, life without friendship is meaningless. We should understand the importance of friendship only then our life will be successful."
Sri Gurudeva Seva Balaga vice-president Chandrahasa Rai, secretary of Petemane Prakash Shetty, treasurer Boja Shetty, secretary of Sri Vajramatha Women Developement center Maharastra branch, Revathi Vyamayya Shetty, Anand Shetty Bayandhar, Babu Shetty, Dayananda G Ponja, Jayarama Santh, Gunapaal Shetty, Devadass Uchill, Ravindra Bandari, Damodara Shetty, Mohan Hegde, Jayanth Pakkala, Vasanth Shetty, Ravi Shetty, Anand Ail, Krishna Shetty Mahim, Ravi Hegde, Mohan Shetty, Savitha A Shetty, Sheilaja A Shetty, Kalpana Shetty, Jayanthi N Shetty, Indira A shetty, Sumathi R shetty, Usha Shetty and other guests were present to welcome the spiritual leaders.
Swamiji later went to meet Bandra Arunodaya Society Ssri Vajramatha Women Welfare Centre former president Suvasini S Shetty at her residence and blessed the gathering present.
Swamiji will remain in the city for 12 days and will attend the religious programmes at Navi Mumbai and Thane said president of Guruseva balaga Maharastra branch Prakash L Shetty.