By Inchara Udupi

Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi(EP)

Udupi, Sep 15: “It is inevitable today to introspect before suggesting that we implement the principles and messages of Brahmashree Narayana Guru who was for the development of society because before asking others we will know how far we are implementing them,” said Dinesh Ameen Mattu, media advisor to the chief minister.

He gave the keynote address at the concluding ceremony of the message campaign on the eve of the 161st birth anniversary of Brahmashree Narayana Guru held at Katpadi Sri Vishwanatha Kshetra on Sunday September 13. The programme was led by Udupi Zilla Billavara Parishad with the co-operation of various groups, associations, and Garodi Mandiras.

“While calling him a developer of society, we are using Narayana Guru only as a spiritual teacher. His contribution to preserve the values in society are more than the spirituality. He was of the opinion that spirituality, secularism, and business are necessary to structure a healthy society,” he said.

“If we lift him to the level of a miracle saint without understanding his message, it will be an injustice to him. It is unfortunate that Billavas are becoming the puppets of Vedic gurus while Narayana Guru had rejected them. It is necessary for Billavas to show interest in building higher education institutes and hospitals instead,” added Mattu.

Udupi Zilla Billavara Parishad president Shekar Karkera presided over the programme.

Film actor and producer Rajashekar Kotian and Tulu Sahitya Academy president Janaki Brahmavar were felicitated on the occasion. Poor and talented students in the society were given scholarships in the programme.

Katpadi Sri Vishwanatha Kshetra president Ashok M Suvarna, honorary chief secretary Harischandra Ameen, Parkala Brahmashree Narayana Guru Seva Sangha president Shekar Poojary, Yuvavahini central committee president Santhosh Kumar, and Billava Parishad women’s unit president Shobha Ameen were the chief guests.

Udupi Zilla Billavara Parishad President Shekar Karkera welcomed. Chief secretary Prabhakar Palan proposed the vote of thanks. Organizers Navin Ameen Shankerpura and Gunavathi Ramesh compered the programme.