Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 28: The 22nd annual public Ganeshotsava at Jakribettu bypass, Bantwal, commenced on August 26 under the honorary presidency of former minister B Ramanath Rai and the leadership of Ballodiguttu Padmashekhar Jain. The five-day celebrations will continue till August 31.

Inaugurating the programme, Sri Vikhyatananda Swamiji of Soluru Math expressed concern that India’s traditional culture is on the verge of decline. He stressed that children must participate in such religious events if the country’s cultural roots are to be preserved. He added that the Jakribettu Ganeshotsava under Ramanath Rai’s leadership should grow into a centenary celebration, with greater involvement from the youth.

Highlighting the need for harmony, he said religious events must symbolize fraternity and coexistence, noting that the Jakribettu Ganeshotsava has become one such example under Rai’s leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, former minister Ramanath Rai recalled that Bal Gangadhar Tilak initiated Ganeshotsava celebrations to free Indians from the chains of British rule and instill self-respect. While many sacrificed their lives through violent struggle, Mahatma Gandhi succeeded in leading the freedom movement through non-violence, he said. Rai further noted that the Jakribettu Ganeshotsava has been emerging each year with unique programmes and community participation.

The event was presided over by president B Padmashekhar Jain Ballodiguttu, with vice-presidents Chandraprakash Shetty Tumbe, Pious L Rodrigues, Sampath Kumar Shetty Mundoluguttu, Mohan Chandtimar, general secretary M Rajeev Shetty Edthuru, secretaries N Mahabala Bangera, Baby Kundar, Sudeep Kumar Shetty, treasurer P Praveen Kini, and executive committee members Balakrishna R Anchan, Chandrashekar Bhandari, and religious council member Devappa Kulal Panjikallu. Notable attendees included Ashok Bhandaribettu, Guarantee Implementation Committee taluk president Jayanti V Poojary, and Venkappa Poojary, among others.