Chief Minister at Suttur Mutt

Inaugurates 111th Jayanti of Dr. Sri Rajendra Swamiji

Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) inaugurated the 111th Jayanti celebrations of the former pontiff of Suttur Mutt, Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji, at Suttur Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hill this morning.

The CM, who arrived from Bengaluru in a helicopter and landed at the University of Mysore’s Oval Grounds helipad, was accorded a guard of honour by the District Administration.

Dy.CM Dr. G. Parameshwar flagged off the JSS Vijnana Vahini. Urban Development Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is also Mysuru District in-Charge Minister, released the second edition of the book ‘Rajendra Nudinamana.’

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar released a special edition of the ‘Prasada’ magazine, while Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttarangashetty released the book ‘Man With Divinity Pujya Rajendra Sri.’

Among the dignitaries were Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Siddalinga Swamiji, Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt Seer Dr. Sri Nischalanandanatha Swamiji, Avadhoota Datta Peetham Junior Pontiff Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddu lauds Seer

In his address, Siddaramaiah lauded Sri Rajendra Swamiji for pioneering education, particularly in rural areas, along with promoting art, literature, religion, spirituality and healthcare.

By opening schools in villages, the Swamiji gave impetus to the spread of education and brought about social reforms. “It is only through education that changes can be brought about in society,” he said. “Amidst all these efforts to impart education, vested interests are indulging in strengthening casteism with the ulterior motive of continuing inequality,” he rued.

CM Shivakumar, while addressing the gathering at Suttur Mutt, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to implementing the Mekedatu reservoir project.

“To implement the Mekedatu project, about 5,400 hectares of forest land is required. We will provide alternative land to the Forest Department to develop a forest. To ensure constant monitoring of the project, a separate division will be launched, with even the opposition parties in sync with the decision of the Government. The Supreme Court has also ordered in favour of the Mekedatu project, apart from giving Tamil Nadu its share of water,” Shivakumar said.

Tegada Siri Yojane

The CM also announced that the Government was planning to introduce the ‘Tegada Siri Yojane’ to encourage teak plantation among farmers.

Government land in front of agricultural fields would be utilised for plantation, as teak is financially rewarding and can fetch as much as Rs. 7,500 per cubic foot, he said.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttaranga Shetty, MLAs T.S. Srivatsa, Tanveer Sait, G.T. Devegowda, A.R. Krishnamurthy, G.D. Harish Gowda, H.M. Ganesh Prasad, D. Ravishankar and Darshan Dhruvanarayan, former Tumakuru DC Dr. C. Somashekar and others were also present.