Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jul 20: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt said here on Monday July 19 that a new hostel for students built in the town by the Mutt will start functioning within a week. Addressing a press conference, he said that students from dalit and backward classes will be given preference in admission into this 40-room hostel.
“Free food will be provided at the hostel. This is the first phase of the project undertaken by the Mutt to provide free lodging and food to students without discrimination on the basis of caste or religious affiliation. Although all students will be admitted, preference will be given to students from dalit and backward classes. The students will also be imparted education in righteousness and culture,” he added.
The Swamiji revealed that a students' hostel being built at Mysore too will be inaugurated shortly, and that there are plans to open such hostels in Mangalore, Shimoga and Dharwad to cater to the needs of poor students there. “On behalf of the Mutt, temples have been built in Haridwar and New Delhi. Centres have also been opened in Varanasi, Badrinath and Nasik. A religious centre is coming up at the foot of Tirupati Hills. These have been undertaken as a measure to propagate our religion,” he explained.
He said that the ancient relics and marks belonging to the times of Pandavas at Hastivanati, their abode as per legends, have been destroyed. “A plan to build a temple for Lord Krishna, five Pandavas apart from Draupadi, their wife, in the form of a national monument at Hastinavati, is on. Donors from North India have come forward to donate for this cause,” he claimed.
He explained the measures undertaken by the Mutt to provide basic facilities to people living in the naxal-infected regions situated at the foot of the Western Ghats during the third year in succession, at a cost of Rs 20 lac. The Swamiji also said that the plan to extend financial assistance to the patients from this region through direct payment to hospitals is also in progress.