Religion needed for bringing about development: Tejinder Khanna

New Delhi, Oct 29 (UNI) Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna felt the need of religious consciousness among the people for bringing about real development.

Addressing 'Pratyarpanam, the function organised by Sri Krishna Seva Samiti in the presence of Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puttige Mutt, Udupi, Mr Khanna said his own feeling was that the religious consciousness was higher among the migrants from southern parts of the country than their northern counterparts.

''It is a good and welcoming trend,'' he remarked.

He acknowleged the contributions of Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji towards the cause of peace around the globe propogating the Hindu spirituality and philosophy in many countries of the world.

Swamiji is to take over the two-year Paryaya in Udupi from January 18. Conventionally each of the eight mutts 'astha matha' holds the responsibility of upkeep and maintenance of Sri Krishna temple during their two-year Paryaya period.

Sri Sugunendra Swamiji, in his address, asked all the belivers to visit the holy temple and said he had multi-crore grand plans for beautifying the temple town of Lord Sri Krishna.

Some of the proposed programmes included studding the Sri Krishna chariot with diamonds, construction of a new dining hall, Viswa Roopa Darshana project at Geeta Mandir, constructon of tourism centre for international tourists, establishing self employment centre, Geeta training centre and establishment of Goshala in Udupi.

Swamiji, who has the distinction of holding two Paryayas, also has the distinction of building several Sri Krishna temples including at Banglore, Kolkata in India and in places like New Jersy, Pheonix, Los Angeles in United States.

He also honoured the Lt Govenor by offering specially woven shawls by the Puttige Mutt, the mutt of Jagadguru Madhwacharya, the original propogator of 'Dwaita Siddhanta'.

Dr M Govinda Rao, Director of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and Member of Prime Minister's Advisory Council were among those who graced the occassion.

UNI