Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 17: Ahead of the Paryaya celebrations that are set to begin in a few hours, a grand felicitation programme was organized at Sri Krishna Math here on the night of Wednesday January 17 for Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji, who ascended the Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time in 2016, and his disciple Sri Vishwaprasannateertha of Pejawar Math.
Addressing the gathering, Pejawar Swamiji said, "I do not think I have achieved much. I have been able to complete my fifth Paryaya term because of God's blessings. Everyone should pray to God and worship him. Serving Sri Krishna is the highest form of service. While serving Lord Krishna, I did not forget to serve people. I gave equal attenton to the service of God as well as people."
To questions on whether he would take politics more seriously now that his Paryaya term has ended, he said, "I will not enter politics, but I will give guidance from outside. During the forthcoming elections in Karnataka, I will be out of state.
"I will strive for the protection of religion, worldly good, and environment protection. I will not work for politics of vote," he asserted, adding that he will strive hard to bring equality in society.
To a question on his statement pertaining to amending the Constitution during the Dharma Sansad in November 2017, he said, "People had even called for my removal after I made the statement. But what I said was that Hindu majorities and minorities should be treated on equal terms and given equal opportunities. Dr Ambedkar gave scope for amending the Constition and it has already been amended several times. They accused me without understanding the Constituion."
He also said that schemes like the state government's 'Shaadi Bhagya' should be extended to Dalits too.
"I have always the principle of tolerance towards other religions while following my own religion with piety. I will continue to follow the same," he added.
"I am happy with the works done in the Krishna Math during my tenure, but not satisfied. There are some works pending. I have given everything offered by devotees to Lord Krishna," he said.
He also outlined three objectives he aims to achieve after the end of his Paryaya term - Protection of Shastras and philosophy, including research and publication, education of the poor and extending medical service to the needy. "I will carry out these works till I am capable," he added.
Sri Vidhyadheesha Swamiji of Palimar Math, who will be ascending the Paryaya Peetha for the second time, said that Pejawar Swamiji has given him guidance on what he should achieve in the next two years of his term. "Following the same is my duty," he said.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade also spoke on the occasion and lauded Pejawar Swamiji for his service to society.
Udupi district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj, MP Shobha Karandlaje, former MLA Raghupati Bhat, Satyanarayana, Srihari Asranna and others were present.