DHNS

Mangalore, Jul 24: Edigas are contemplating to build ‘Gurupeeta’  at Kanyadi with Athmananda Saraswati Swamiji as the “Kula Guru’’. 

Addressing a news conference on Monday, KPCC former president B Janardhan Poojary said that Ediga community comprises of Billavas along with 23 other sub-castes and Billavas have only one Gurupeeta located at Shivagiri set up by their only ‘Kula Guru,’ Brahmashri Narayana Guru.

In this context, Poojary said that the Billavas who are mainly residing in coastal Karnataka, Mumbai and Bangalore feel that in such as situation, the new centre should not be called as `Gurupeetha’ but can be called a `Mutt’ and the swamiji can be addressed as ‘Muttadipathi’ and not as Kulaguru.

Poojary said that with such contradicting views, the Edigas should stop debating over ‘words’ and must aim at building a mutt that will become a model mutt bringing together various communities helping them all, upholding the preaching of Brahmashri Narayana Guru of one caste, One religion and one God.
 
He said that Edigas must not forget the fact that Brahmashree Narayana Guru was not a Kula Guru as he is revered and worshiped by people in various parts of the world. He does not belong to one community as he is a ‘Jagath Guru.’

Poojary said that the coalition government banned arrack in the state targeting Edigas community. Rightly it has affected several Edigas who earned their livelihood through arrack.
 He said that the ban was imposed without any rehabilitation programmes. He said that the government is claiming of bringing in reform in the society by banning arrack but the fact is that they have ruined the lives of the poor.

Poojary opined that having a mutt was important as Swamijis play a vital role in politics and in educational fields.
“Very often the Swamiji's statement is final for Ministers and the Government. Swamijis get that support what ministers often fail to get’’, he added.

Attack condemned

Poojary strongly condemned the act of miscreants ransacking the TV9 channel office in the City on Sunday. He said that any action which will be against freedom of press must be opposed by all those who believe in democratic set up.

“The instances of attacking media offices have increased off late, which only shows the state of freedom of expression in the country. The lapses of administration and the police have compelled the journos to get out on streets to protest’’, he added.
 
He said that if anyone is hurt by the media they have the right to file a defamation case but this kind of vindictive mindset is not good.