Mysuru: There is need for us to work in unity to safeguard the culture and traditions of the Hindu religion, said MLA T.S. Srivatsa.

Presiding over a preparatory meeting for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha to be held on Jan. 18 and 19 in Bengaluru, at Sri Rama Mandira in Krishnamurthypuram here yesterday, he said that the Mahasabha, which was started to protect the community in 1974, had grown up to become one of the largest organisations to complete 50 years.

Stating that various events had been organised under the leadership of Mahasabha President Ashok Haranahalli at Tripuravasini Convention Centre in Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, Srivatsa said that the event will be inaugurated by Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham’s Junior Pontiff Sri Vidhushekara Bharati Swamiji in presence of Seers from various Mutts.

Srivatsa also said that the event was being organised to discuss on various issues being faced by the community members. He also expressed his disappointment over a few who have been ridiculing the religious programmes being carried out by the community in the city’s outskirts for global welfare.

“A few of the progressive thinkers have been instigating people not to visit temples where Priests from the Brahmin community were performing rituals. We as a community have not condemned such acts. This apart, the politicians of neighbouring State have been ridiculing our community. We should come together to showcase our unity to send out message to the State,” he said.

Srivatsa also called upon the community members to take part in the Golden Jubilee of the Mahasabha in large numbers.

Brahmana Mahasabha Vice-President N. Srikanta Kumar also spoke on the occasion. Later, meritorious students M.D. Sudeeksha, who had top scored in SSLC examination and PUC topper Pruthu P. Advaith were felicitated on the occasion.

Mahasabha senior member T.K. Vijay Kumar Rao, former MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev and members of various Brahmin Associations were present.

The MLA also released the posters and pamphlets of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha on the occasion.