Mangalore: 'Navaratna' Awards conferred on Nine GSB Achievers
Pics by Manju Nireshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 3: In a programme organized at Ammembal Lord Gopalakrishna Temple near here on Sunday August 2, nine achievers belonging to the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community were conferred with the 'Navaratna' awards by spiritual head of Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt, Sri Vidyadhiraja Swamiji.
The awardees are, Sant Bhadragiri Achuta Dasa (Keertans and devotional songs), Dr M V Kamath (journalism), R V Deshpande (politics and social service), Dr Ramadas Pai (education and medical service), Dr P Dayanand Pai (social service and humanism), Dr K V Kamath (banking and finance), Jagadish P Nayak (professionalim and management), Dr K A Ashok Pai (medical and health services) and Srinivas P Dempo (industries and administration).
The Swamiji has been camping at the above templeat present, to spend the annual Chaturmasya period. The birth day of the Swamiji is being observed every year as 'Abhinandan (felicitation)' day.
Speaking after receiving the award, Sant Bhadragiri Achuta Dasa expressed his concern over the withering of the culture of holding and listening to 'Harikatha' programmes that have the potential of creating awareness about the Indian culture and traditions among the children. He wanted steps to be taken to rekindle an interest in this unique form of spreading devotion and knowledge.
R V Deshpande hailed the Swamiji for undertaking works in religious, social and other sectors, which he opined, are fit to be recorded in golden letters. He announced that he would wholeheartedly support the endeavours of the Swamiji in sectors of education and healthcare services.
Dr K V Kamath expressed the hope that under the guidance of the Swamiji, it might be possible to instill professional competence in the education, as the present day education lacks this aspect. Dr M V Kamath noted that the Swamiji has in him, the lofty qualities of humanity and humanism.
In his presidential address, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamath, stressed the need to give added impetus to education and healthcare services sectors. He said that the people belonging to Gowd Saraswat community have made illustrious contributions to the development of the community as well as the country.
Chaturmasya Committee president Narendra Kamath welcomed. Shivananda Kamath couple performed the 'Padapuja' of the Swamiji. Kumble Narasimha Prabhu conducted the programme.