Kalam calls for serving people

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Tumkur, Karnataka, Apr 8 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam paid rich tributes to the revered pontiff of the Sidhaganga Mutt Sri Shivakumara Swamiji on the occasion of his 100th birth day, being celebrated by devotees today and described him as a 'great sage' who has dedicated himself to the service of humanity.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Kalam has said the country was witnessing Swamijee who has been serving humanity for the last 77 years as ''tap'' without any bread and has freed himself from passion, anger, love and hate due to it.

''Presence of such great souls in the country, spreads peace and promote spiritual prosperity. He is a beacon light that attracts and spreads the spiritual message to the people and society'' he said.

Lauding the contributions made by the swamiji, he said that sri Sivakumara Swamiji was an example of spreading the message of 'giving'. ''He (Swamiji) has been on a tireless mission of socio-economic development and eradication of evils of illiteracy and discrimination through giving. He saw education and alleviation of hunger among the masses as an effective means to enrich human capacity which in turn would contribute to national reconstruction.'' ''Swamiji has followed the footprints of his Guru of providing free boarding home to students, which is now serving the needs of over 8,000 students every day. Besides 2000 pilgrims and visitors in the Math were also provided food every day. During the last seven decades Swamiji has founded 125 educational institutions ranging from nursery to institutions of technology, pure science, arts, management, vocational training and performing arts.'' Dr Kalam added.

Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji in his message, said society can improve if people elect people who are intelligent, honest, and who can work by understanding the problems of the people.

The Swamiji who was recently conferred 'Karnataka Rathna' by the State government, said that since we are selecting illiterate, half-learned, political criminals the society was not improving.

''In democracy one should be intelligent and have good leadership qualities which can contribute for the upliftment of one and all in the society. We want leaders who can understand the problems of the common people and work towards solving their grievances and not those who fight for continuing to remain in the chair,'' he added.

Swamiji also said honest people always work for the welfare of the common people and they never bring caste or creed in their serving.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, in his address, assured to consider to name the recently established Tumkur University on Swamiji's name.

Mr Kumaraswamy also said steps would be taken to develop Virapura village, the birth place of Shivakumara Swamy.

Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa Pradesh Congress Committee president Mallikarjuna Kharge also addressed the gathering on the occasion.

UNI

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