Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 13: During investigations, officials of the education department have found that well-known Madhwa preacher and discourser Ramanathacharya has confined his two daughters, Vasuprada (12) and Aksharada (9) in his home in Mucchilkodu of Badagabettu village here, without sending them to school. The girls are barred from having any contact with the members of the public too, it is learnt.

After state secretary of Janapara Vedike Sriram Diwan, complained to Udupi block education officer (BEO) D Manjunathaiah that Acharya has been depriving his daughters the right to education conferred by the Constitution, the BEO visited the house. As the house was found to have been locked, he dismissed the complaint.

After another complaint was made on the issue, education officer from the office of the deputy director of public instructions was deputed. Vide a report submitted on September 25, the officer said that the neighbourers have confirmed that the children have been kept in confinement and that they are not being sent to school.

It is said that both the girls are intelligent. Acharya reportedly believes that the purity of his daughters will get diluted if they mingle with other people. Now, the Vedike has written to the district deputy commissioner and other officials, to rescue the girls from confinement and provide them education.