Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Jan 7: Udupi Pejawar Math Swamiji Sri Vishweshateerta Sripad informed, that the Pejawar Math will be constructing free hostels for facilitating students from the tribal belts and rural areas to pursue education. Among these, the hostel in Udupi is already under construction, he divulged.
He was speaking to reporters at Ujire Sri Janardana Swami Temple on the evening of Tuesday January 6.
"Naxalism is gaining ground in the hilly terrain because of the lack of infrastructure there. The Math will take up the task of providing electricity connection to all the houses located at the foot of the Western Ghats in Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Chikmagalur and also the Agumbe region in Shimoga district. Providing of power connection to each house will cost around Rs 5,000,” he explained.
The first phase of social service taken up by the Math has been completed. From January onwards, the second phase is being taken up. In the hostels being set up, in addition to providing lodging facilities, religious refinement will also be imparted to the students. In Udupi, poor people will be provided with free medical aid, the Swamiji said.
Speaking about the criticisms emanating from the naxals for his activities, the Swamiji said that he merely wants to extend help to the people and does not aim at pleasing the Maoists. "A naxal leader who introduced himself as Krishnamurthy called me and expressed his appreciation for my initiatives. He however, did not provide more information about himself. It is but natural for the naxals to oppose every activity a religious order takes up," he added.
The Swamiji said that he had visited Maligemane area in Beltangady taluk from where, a request for electrification of 24 homes has been received. When asked about his comments on religious conversions, he said conversion through inducements is wrong and long term repercussions of such conversions should be assessed before hand. He also held himself strongly against untouchability and said that Budhism is a part of Hinduism. The Swmiji also called upon the Hindus to shun untouchability, which has a bane of that religion and asked the dalits not to get converted to other religions.