Mysuru:  Former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice (Retd.) N. Santosh Hegde regretted declining values in the society and said that only satisfaction and humanity and not revolution can bring about a change.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 43rd Annual District Meet of Lions International District 317A at KSOU Convocation Hall in city this morning.

Bemoaning that public service is getting eroded with each passing year, Justice Hegde stressed on the need for providing shelter and aid to under-privileged sections of the society.

Recalling his days as Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Hegde said that he came to know how much corruption, injustice, malpractices, and such other evils are deep rooted in the society we live in.

Pointing out that his personal charisma went higher only after becoming Lokayukta, he said that only drastic measures can bring about a change.

Regretting the trend to accord a hero’s welcome to leaders who come out in bail, he said it was unfortunate that the society was giving priority only to the rich and those in power, while honest persons remained unrecognised.

Emphasising on the need for educating the younger generation on human values and the principles of great leaders and saints Justice Hegde underlined the need for discarding greed, as it is the one which takes the society on the wrong path.

Expressing concern over  declining credibility of the Judiciary, Legislature, Executive and the media, which are the four pillars of a democratic set-up, he observed that it would not be possible to bring about a change in the society, as long as these 4 pillars regain the trust of the people.

Making a reference to the numerous scams involving thousands of crores of rupees, Justice Hegde wondered how development can take place when money is siphoned off through scams and other wrong doings. He urged the younger generation to shred greed and get involved in building the society through transparent and fair means.

A one-minute silence was observed praying for world peace and harmony.

Two Omni vans were donated to the city’s K.R. Hospital and a government hospital at Mandya on the occasion.

Lions District Government V. Renukumar presided. Lions International Director V.V. Krishna Reddy was the guest of honour.

Lions Club office-bearers and members Nagaraj V. Bairy, Dr.G.A. Ramesh, K.S. Dwarakanath, K. Eshwaran, K. Devegowda, N. Jayaramu, Venkatesh, Suresh, Ramu, S. Murthy, Ashwath, H. Narayan, Jayakumar, Srinivasa and others were present.

Nearly 2,000 members from 145 clubs in Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Ramanagaram and Bengaluru Rural Districts coming under Lions District 317-A are taking part in this day long meet, which features lecture and other interactive sessions.