Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Nov 21: Addressing a social goodwill meeting held by Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple on Thursday November 20 at Sri Mookambika Auditorium here, well-known writer Erya Lakshminarayan Alva stressed that caste system has been hampering progress and development.

Speaking to the gathering after inaugurating the meeting, he pleaded with the people to take steps to ensure that this narrow-minded system does not result in the country losing its own unique identity.  The good deeds, altruist activities, dedication and integrity that one gets engaged in, are just like religion.  If there is anything that works against the welfare of the society at large, it should be banished straight away, urged noted thinker Lakshmeesh Tolpady.

In his concluding address, Rahstreeya Swayamsevak Sangh Hindu Pracharak Kajampady Subrahmanya Bhat opined that religious establishments like temples have the responsibility of doing away with the feeling of inequality among the people and inculcate in them the realization that everyone is equal and each one has to respect the other.  "We have to sink casteist differences and concentrate on Indian ness", he said.

A session titled ‘Is Caste System Boon or Bane of Hindu Community?' held on the occasion, was presided by ex-president of Kundapur municipality Gunaratna. The session, 'religious centres as forums of social transformation' was held under the presidentship of fishermen leader B Heriyanna. The valedictory function was chaired by managing trustee of Hattiangadi Lord Siddhivinayak temple Ramachandra Bhat.

Managing trustee of Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple Krishnaprasad Adyantaya, executive officer L S Maruti, trustees Uday M Nagoor, T Suresh Hebbar, K N Govind Adiga, Sharmila Yogish Acharya, Sabladi Manjayya Shetty and others were present.