Tamil Nadu

Religious fanatics opposing Sethu project: Kanimozhi

Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan

Educational aid: Sri Sakthi Amma, head of Sri Narayani Peedam, and Kanimozhi, MP, handing over a cheque to a student at a function held on the Peedam premises in Thirumalaikkodi near Vellore on Sunday. C. Gnanasekharan, Vellore MLA, is in the picture. —

VELLORE: Cheques for Rs.75 lakh were distributed to 300 poor students from different parts of the State by Sri Sakthi Amma, managing trustee of Om Sakthi Narayani Siddar Peedam Charitable Trust (Sri Narayani Peedam) under the Vidya Netram scheme at a function held on the Peedam premises in Thirumalaikkodi near here on Sunday. Kanimozhi, MP, who was the chief guest, also distributed some cheques on behalf of the Peedam.

Sri Sakthi Amma said that spirituality was nothing but nurturing love towards others. Referring to the visit to Sripuram by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Ms. Kanimozhi, both of whom were atheists, he said that there might be a lot of ideological differences between them and the Peedam, but they were united by love. “Love is a big weapon through which we can achieve many things. If you do not have love, whatever you have goes waste,” he said.

Ms. Kanimozhi said that on many occasions, religions crossed the limits, and converted men into fanatics. That is what the Dravidian parties opposed. In this connection, she referred to the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, which she said, is a good project aimed at people’s welfare, but whose implementation is being obstructed due to religious reasons.

She said that after his visit to Sripuram to launch a scheme for providing financial assistance for the heart surgery of 320 poor children about six months ago, Mr. Karunanidhi expressed his happiness to her at the implementation of the scheme. Both the government and non-governmental organisations have to unite in the efforts at helping in the growth and development of the poor and downtrodden people, she said.

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