Mouesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Nov 19: A felicitation ceremony organised by the Dharmadarshi Harikrishna Punarooru and Sri Bellippady Ramanath Rai Felicitation Committee was held on Tuesday at Sparsha Kala Mandira, BC Road, in honour of Dharmadarshi Harikrishna Punarooru and Sri Bellippady Ramanatha Rai.

Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Mahaswami of Edneer Math and Thotakacharya Peetha inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and delivered his blessings. He said both Harikrishna Punarooru and Ramanath Rai have been involved in serving society. Living with religious values, they were felicitated beyond caste and political boundaries, which has brought joy. “Religion unites society. The services they rendered have today brought people together here out of affection and respect,” he remarked.

Former minister B Ramanath Rai, who accepted the felicitation, said public life is meant for service. “When given the opportunity, it is our duty to serve sincerely. I have always lived beyond caste and religion, with the hope that we must live as human beings without discrimination,” he said.

Dharmadarshi Harikrishna Punarooru, in his address after receiving the felicitation, said that every individual must involve themselves in serving society. “When a major part of our efforts is dedicated to the upliftment of the poor, greater merit is earned,” he said. He added that receiving the honour alongside Ramanatha Rai brought him happiness.

Former Dakshina Kannada KASAP president Pradeep Kumar Kalkoor delivered the felicitation address for Harikrishna Punarooru, while District Religious Council member Jagannath Chowta spoke in honour of B Ramanath Rai. On this occasion, Sri Sacchidananda Bharati Swamiji released a felicitation volume.

Felicitation committee president Kaiyuru Narayana Bhat presided over the programme. Chief guests on the dais included Raghu L Shetty, president of the management committee of Badagabellur Sri Kaveshwara Temple; honorary president Raghunath Somayaji; Shivaprasad Ajilaru Aladangady; general secretary Devappa Kulal Panjikallu; and treasurer Ramganesh Prabhu Kaikunje. Kaiyuru Narayana Bhat delivered the welcome address.

Prof Rajamani Ramakunja, editor of the felicitation volume committee, shared his views. Mahalinga Bhat and Jayarama Poojary read the felicitation citations. General secretary Devappa Kulal Panjikallu proposed the vote of thanks. Eche Nayanadu compered the programme.

Director Prakash Karanth Narikombu, co-director Sudhakar Acharya Marnabailu, vice-presidents Sunil B, Praveen Jakkibettu, and Vishwanath Bellad Kuduru, reception committee member Shailesh Poojary Kuchchigudde, finance committee member Umesh Nalliggudde, and honorary advisors Bhuvanesh Pachchinadka and Ramesh Nayak Rai extended support to the event.