Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Nov 28: "Sticking to purity of thought and action in everything we do can be called as righteousness. 'Dharma' as we call it, helps us to attain salvation if we are able to keep financial issues and lust under our control on the basis of righteousness. Religion has legal foundation and background of morality. We follow religion on the basis of traditions, beliefs, behaviour, and customs. With coordinated approach between different religions and by sticking to principles of peace and harmony and humanitarian values, we can build a healthy society," felt retired Justice V Gopala Gowda.

Justice Gowda was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 48th all religion meet organized on the occasion of Lakshadeepotsava at Dharmasthala on Sunday November 27.

"Ours is a country of religious pluralism. Our constitution has provided for developing knowledge and understanding rationale about other religions through coordination between all the religions. We should respect the principles and philosophical background of all the religions. With coordination, we can develop tolerance and thereby protect communal harmony," he stated. He advised people to understand preaching of all the religions and aim to protect national integrity with patriotism and avoiding communal clashes.

In his welcome address, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, spoke about the need to give importance to morality along with righteousness. "We see increase in number of devotees in temples, people are celebrating festivals and holy days with more enthusiasm, and programmes in media now-a-days give more importance to subjects like rebirth, astrology etc. Along with devotion, following the religious principles and developing belief in god, we should take care to see that we remain committed to morality in all aspects, he advised. He also felt that discipline and cleanliness in everything need to be followed in all walks of life. By following these principles along with broad mindedness, self respect, tolerance and social harmony, we can become noble Indians, he felt.

He said that Dharmasthala establishment has planned to see that all the temples and religious places in the state are cleaned inside and outside before January 1 4, 2017. He added that this scheme will be implemented with the help of members of 18,000 self help groups and local organizations. He stated that thereafter, emphasis would be laid on maintaining cleanliness. Secondly, it has been planned to undertake dredging operations in a hundred ponds in the state for augmenting water in the state which is facing drought.

Fakira Siddarama Swamiji of Shirahatti, who presided, called upon people to get rid of animosity and learn to love everyone. "Non-violence, pity, love, empathy, sacrifice, peace and service-oriented approach are the crux of all the religions. We have got this noble birth as humans. We should make best use of this opportunity by always practicing love and trust," he said. He hailed Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, for providing food and knowledge to people and also running rural development project and holding of de-addiction camps.

On this occasion, Dr Jayakumar Upadhye from New Delhi spoke about coordination in Jainism, while Dr Jabbar Samo from Puttur spoke about coordination in Islam. Prashant Wesley D'Souza, delivered lecture on coordination in Christianity.

On this occasion, talented theatre artiste, Aditya M, was felicitated. Prof S Prabhahkar and D Harshendra Kumar were present.

President of Dharmasthala gram panchayat, Chandan Kamath, proposed vote of thanks. Head of Kannada department at SDM College, Ujire, Dr B P Sampat Kumar, compered the programme.

At night, Kanjimaru Katte festival was celebrated.

Lacs of people have converged on Dharmasthala for witnessing Lakshadeepotsava being held on Monday night. Samavasarana Puja of Bhagawan Chandranatha Swamy will be held on Tuesday evening at Mahotsava hall.