Minister's call to Hindus

Udupi, Karnataka, Oct 11 (UNI) State Energy Minister K S Eshwarappa today called upon Hindus to unite and give a fitting reply to those criticising the religion and trying to divide the Hindu society on caste basis.

Speaking after releasing 'Haribhaktisaara' book and CD, at the inauguration of Kanakadasa Study Research Chair at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College and Academy of General Education, Manipal here, he lamented the liberty given in the Hindu religion had been misused by so-called learned and intellectuals to criticise some of the blind beliefs which still existed in the system without highlighting its great ancient history.

No one can destroy Hindu religion even with efforts made by the detractors, he said.

Mr Eshwarappa, directly mentioning the names of some Former Ministers allegedly responsible for turning the demolition of dilapidated structure before the famous Sri Krishna Temple into a controversial issue, said those who took effort to politicise the issue for short-term gain and divided the society on caste basis were now politically sidelined.

Even learned people like Jnanapeeta Awardee U R Ananthamurthy, who were part of the Hindu system, had become great critics of the religion, he alleged.

Admitting some lapses and blind beliefs still existed in Hindu religion, he said instead of criticising the weak points, everyone should make efforts to remove such lapses and unite to fight those engaged in dividing the Hindu society.

He also hoped the newly-constituted chair with Rs one crore assistance from the State Government would help set right the lapses.

Earlier, the Chair was inaugurated by Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi Pejavar Mutt. State Home Minister V S Acharya released the emblem of the Chair.

UNI MA GM MIR AS2128