'Math's protection is society's responsibility'

By Our Staff Correspondent

BELGAUM, OCT. 16. The two-day celebration organised to mark the silver jubilee of the Belgaum District unit of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha concluded on Sunday. Mr. M.Mahadev, Minister for Sericulture and Textiles, participated in the valedictory function as the chief guest. Earlier, a women's convention was held in which Ms. Rani Satish, Minister for Kannada and Culture, was the chief guest.

Referring to the inter-dependence of society and monasteries, Mr. Mahadev said the "protection of the math was the responsibility of society." In turn the math should protect society. Whenever society went astray, the math should bring it back to the right path. When a monastery left the right path, society should be bold enough to step in. In this act of one assuming the role of being the guardian of the other lay the well-being of society.

He said youth should be dedicated to one's religion and duty. While doing so, they should respect "Para-dharma" -- the other person's religion.

Dr. H.B.Rajashekhar, Principal of the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, spoke on the changing lifestyle from the health point of view. Health was not a commodity that could be bought. One had to nurture and protect it by cultivating good habits and by practising "arogya sutras." Vegetarianism was important to maintain good health.

The function was presided over by Shri Siddharama swamiji of Rudrakshi Math, Naganur, and Sri Shivalingeshwar Swamiji of Nidasoshi Math. The Naganur swamiji said swamijis were an inseparable part of society. Swamijis could not live in isolation from society and societies could not live without swamijis. The Nidasoshi swamiji said such programmes helped to create awareness in the community.

Addressing the women's conference, Ms. Rani Satish lamented that even today, women unfortunately were still required to fight for their rights. This contrasted with the equal status given to women during the days of Lord Basavanna in the 12th Century. She said women should become assertive and take the benefit of reservations of seats in local bodies. Veerashaiva women should assimilate the teaching of Akka Mahadevi.

Sri Nijagunanand Swamiji of Bailur spoke on the right practices of dharma, superstition in women and the "time-worn" customs practised by them. People should understand and practice what Akka Mahadevi had said, he added.

Ms. Lalita Chougule, Zilla Panchayat President, presided. The samavesh was addressed by Ms. Shakuntala Rajashekhar and Ms. Shashikala Kamoji, among others.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Rs. 3.25 cr. released for calamity relief
Next     : 'Teerthodbhava' to be held today