Mangalore: Ramotsava ends on high note; Dr Bhat emphasizes Hindu unity

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Apr 22: The three-day Ramotsava celebration at Nehru Maidan here ended on a high note with burning of demon Ravana’s giant effigy, and an attractive fire crackers display, marked by much jubilation and fervour.

The Ramotsava was organized under the aegis of Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Bajrang Dal, Durgavahini, Matru Mandali and Sri Ramotsava Samiti.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Jain Math recited the story of Ramayana and said that it is a 'Mahakavya' by which one can learn a lot. "It teaches about social, spiritual and family bonds. Lord Sri Rama is considered an ideal man for his 16 qualities," he said.

"We should teach Ramayana to theists. There are several Christians and Muslims too who show great respect to this epic. Ramayana is not only a story of the past but of the future also. Even in countries like Bhutan, Thailand, Taiwan and European countries people respect and admire this epic. The present politicians should be trained to emulate Rama," he said.

RSS leader Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat in his address said that people from across the world came to India not to study democracy, secularism or socialism but to learn about Rama and Krishna, Ramayana, Bhagavadgita, and Mahabharata. "People of the world see India as a spiritual centre. For more than a 1000 years Hindu society was subjected to foreign invasion but we have not lost our essence. Every drop of water and soil of this land is sacred to us. We pray to this land as our mother. Though Hindus have segregated politically, they make up 80 percent of the population. India is the 'guru' to the world, hence, we celebrate Ramotsava not only for the good of Mangalore but for the world," he said.

"Many countries are trying to attack our nation, such England, America, China and even Sri Lanka. Though there were invasions by Christians, Muslims, and Communists we Hindus were never defeated. Hindu society is facing many problems like attack from external forces, attack on Hindu women and love Jihad. People and media talk about Gujarat but they never talk of the Kar Sevaks who were killed in Godhra. The Godhra incident was a reaction to action. Even a small earthworm reacts when it gets hurt. Now bomb blasts have reached Bangalore. The day is not far when it may happen in Mangalore also but nobody seems to be worried about it," he said.

Speaking on Ayodhya Temple, he said, "Ram Mandir, built by Ram's son Kusha, was a five-storey building and later it was re-built 76 times after Muslims vandalised it. We will build Ram Mandir at the same Ram Janmabhoomi. It is a matter of shame that we could not build Ram Mandir. It is a question of belief - the way Kashmir Dargah is important to Muslims, Ram Mandir is important to Hindus."

He concluded by saying, "Ramayana and Mahabharata should be read and their values inculcated by all. Even Russians say that every shloka of Bhagavadgita is scientific."

Pushparaj Jain welcomed the gathering.

Manohar Tulajaram, former VHP leader was felicitated on the occasion. Prizes were distributed to winners of various sports and games held during Ramotsava.

Suresh Chandra Shetty of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Harish Poonja, advocate, Monappa Bhandary, Ganesh Bangera, Shanbhaug Shivrao, Prof M B Puranik, Pushparaj Jain, Manohar Tulajaram, Jagadish Shenava and Sharam Pumpwell were present.

After the conclusion of the stage programme, a variety of crackers were burnt. At the end, the effigy of Ravana  that was erected at the site, was torched.