Mysuru: Expressing concern over declining values, former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde opined that the changing parameters about contentment in life and erosion of human values has led to deterioration of the society.

He was speaking at the special lecture and interaction programme organised at JSS Residential School at Suttur in Nanjangud taluk on Friday.

Pointing out that ‘Jeep’ scandal that came to light in 1950 was of the magnitude of Rs. 51,000 then, Hegde said that the recent Coal and Spectrum scams is worth Rs.1.76 lakh crores, which magnitude itself speak volumes about the enormity of corruption in the country.

Quoting a former Prime Minister who had once said that only 15 paise in a rupee reached the targeted beneficiaries, Hegde observed that the Executive and the Legislature had become cesspools of corruption. Regretting that the credentials of the media, which is considered as the fourth pillar of Democracy too is under question now, Hegde underlined the role of the media in fighting societal evils. Stressing on the need for imparting moral education, he called upon the students to imbibe human values and be content in life.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji in his address, stressed on the need for everyone to introspect themselves. Noting that everyone should contribute for rooting out corruption in the country, he said that all should join hands in working for the betterment of the society in terms of values, ideals and principles.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof.G. Hemantha Kumar presided. School Administrative Officer S.P. Udayshankar, JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra head Dr. Arun Balamatti and others were present.