By Dr Eugene D'Souza, Moodubelle
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Apr 6: Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji, popularly known as ‘Kemaru Swamiji’ paid a visit to Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre at Pamboor, Padubelle on Wednesday April 6 at 11 am and spent around two hours with the special children. Following his visit and spending some time in the institute, Swamiji greatly appreciated the service that is being rendered in the institute by the trustees, principal, teaching and supporting staff.
Soon after his arrival in the institute, the Managing Trustee of Manasa, Remedia D’Souza, principal, Sr Vinny Gonslaves and one of the trustees, Henry Noronha received Sri Esha Vittaladas. After spending some time in the office of the Managing Trustee, Swamiji attended a brief programme in the Manasa hall. Following the prayer song, Sr Vinny Gonsalves formally welcomed Swamiji and Remedia D’Souza gave a brief introduction of the Swamiji. Henry Noronha and Sr Laissa, the warden of the hostels were also present on the dais.
In her address, Remedia D’Souza said that on March 15 when she accompanied 30 students from Manasa on a picnic to Moodbidri, she had an opportunity to visit the Kemaru Mutt of Swamiji at Paladka. Swamiji was very happy to see the special children visiting his mutt and provided them with snacks and cold drinks. On the request of Remedia D’Souza, Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji agreed to pay a visit to Manasa in the near future. Hence, Swamiji kept his promise and visited the institution.
In his message, Swamiji expressed his happiness about his visit to Manasa and complimented the trustees, principal and the entire staff of the institution for their selfless service in educating, training and rehabilitating the special children whom God loves the most. Further he said that no one should think that physical handicap is a curse. While everyone should have high aims, such aims should be rooted in humanity which he considered to be the highest form of religion. Swamiji pointing out the misuse of modern technology such as cell-phones said that school and college going children are addicted to such gadgets. He made an appeal to everyone to respect and preserve Indian culture. He also assured the trustees and the principal that he will use his good office to get support from the government departments and influential people and said that he will make it a point to visit Manasa at least once a year and will help the institution in whatever way he can.
Later, Swamiji interacted with some special students and visited some of the sections where thesel students are being trained in various vocations such as book-binding, envelops-making, preparation of flowers and decorative articles, tailoring class and candle and phenyl making section. He also paid a visit to the hostel and dining hall where the special students were having their lunch.
Thirty nine years old Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji was born in a well-off Bunts family in Paladka near Moodbidri. After completing high school and junior college education, Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji acquired mechanical engineering degree from Nitte Engineering College. He even worked for sometime in the Larsen and Toubro Company. As he was more inclined towards spirituality, Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji gave up his work and plunged himself in the study of various religious scriptures. He also visited various centres of religious importance such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan and Mathura. Eventually, he went to Kodachadri near Kollur, a place which he found suitable for his spiritual studies and meditation.
Realising the need to have his own centre to pursue his spiritual goals, Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji founded his own mutt at his village in Paladka in 1999 which came to be known as the ‘Kemaru Mutt’. He also established an ashram for orphan children under the name ‘Sandipani Ashram’ in which around thirty children are being looked after and educated. Later, in 2002, the Swamiji established the Sri Lakshminarayana temple at the same place.
Sri Esha Vittaladas Swamiji has deep knowledge of not only Hinduism but also Christianity and Islam. He has not only studied Bible and the Quran, but also has read the lives of many Christian and Sufi saints. The knowledge of different religious principles has broadened the world view of the Swamiji and in his discourses he emphasises on the ‘Religion of Humanity’.
The Swamiji exudes simplicity and humility. With broad smile and approachable nature, the Swamiji radiates the spirit of humanity. Those who meet him for the first time are quite impressed with his simple personality and wisdom filled words.