Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (RJP)
Pics: Keerthi, Mangaluru
Beltangady, Nov 21: Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala inaugurated the 82nd Sarva Dharma Sammelana (All-religion convention) on Friday November 21 at Dharmasthala here. The convention was organized as part of the ongoing Lakshadeepotsava.
Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji from Adi Chunchanagiri Math, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade, Dr B V Rajaram from Bengaluru, B M Hanif, the sub-editor of Sudha weekly, Fr Clifford Fernandes from Mangaluru, D Surendra Kumar and Prof S Prabhakar were present.
Governor Vajubhai Vala was felicitated during the convention by Dr Veerendra Heggade.
"Living for self is not life, but living for others brings meaning to life. Morality and cultural etiquettes are the core essence of all religions,” Said Vala is his speech.
"Every person has some power. Bringing out that power is dharma. Only when we practice dharma and morality in life can we preach others. We should always speak the truth. Only with morality can we be happy in life. The punishment of evil and protection of the good are the objectives of any religion. This is a time of conflicts. We should not go after money, power and pleasure. We should always excel in good deeds," Vala added.
"There cannot be equality among men and women. Women as mothers are far more superior. They made Gandhi, Shivaji, Buddha and Krishna. Let all mothers emulate them. Men should follow them. This is the only model country which respects women as mothers," Vala concluded.
"Religion protects the society. Only dharma can bring prosperity to mankind. If we destroy dharma, then we will also perish," said Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade in his welcome address.
"Hinduism is an ancient religion and it has given knowledge to the world. Vedas, Upanishads and holy books have spread religious messages together with literature. Hinduism has given light to us. Only by living a religious life can we live a contented life," Dr Heggade added.
Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji from Adi Chunchanagiri Math who presided over the convention said, "India is a country of many religions. Religion should help to foster love and harmony among people. There should not be war among religions. The new generation should be taught the nuances of religion in a proper way. Indians have also contributed to maths and science along with religion.
"Practice differs, but the principles of all religions are all same. There is only one God. Humanity is the ultimate objective of any religion," Swamiji added.
Lectures on 'Religious synthesis in Buddhism' by Dr B V Rajaram, 'Religious synthesis in Islam' by B M Hanif and 'Religious synthesis in Christianity' by Fr Clifford Fernandes were presented.
Shankaran Namboodiri from Tamil Nadu performed classical music.