Mysuru: Avadhoota Datta Peetham Seer Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji has raised a pertinent question — Hindus should desist from self-imposed single child norm, which if continued, may pose a threat to the very existence of the religion.

Sri Ganapathy Swamiji shared his views after receiving Guruvandana, upon the completion of his 170th Vishwa Dharma Vijaya Yatre, organised by Mysuru Zilla Brahmana Mahasabha, Datta Sene and the people of the city, at Nadamantapa of Sri Ganapathy Ashram in the city on Sunday.

Datta sect must unite

“If we should protect our religion, we should spread the essence of the religion even if it requires to cross the sea (Seemollanghana). We should get rid of single child norm. Everybody should respect all the religions and inculcate the qualities of truth and mercy. We should never remain silent, if one who comes seeking refuge, turns audacious claiming ownership of the house. We cannot accept the belief of ‘divide and live’ and the Datta sect should unite,” the Swamiji said.

Foreigners support

The Seer said, we bought eight Churches and built Ashrams abroad, with the generous donation of Rs. 58 crore by the foreigners. Even those without a roof have given donation. We should protect the people’s religion. Or else, wait to feel the impact during your grandchildren’s time, cautioned the Swamiji.

“The people of Tenali in Andhra Pradesh removed the crop they had cultivated in their land to make space for a Bhajan programme. It is a perfect example of how the people feel overjoyed to respond, if we inspire them for undertaking religious initiatives. We should have a zeal to achieve. God definitely favours those having a firm determination,” said the Seer.

Animal sacrifice stopped

“I have been travelling abroad since 1976 and had been to Guyana in South America and several other places, thickly populated by Hindus who have settled there from 180 years. They are poor. A popular Hindu Temple exists in Guyana, which was known for the practice of animal sacrifice. When I was invited there, I had set a condition to stop animal sacrifice to accept their invitation. They obliged and have stopped animal sacrifice since then,” recalled Sri Ganapathy Swamiji.

Opinions on ‘Seemollanghana’

Senior journalist Ravi Hegde said, there is a contrasting opinion about the Seers going on ‘Seemollanghana.’ But the Seers should do seemollanghana, to their limitations, as the devotees and followers of Hindu religion are spread across the world.

Owing to the influence of globalisation, people settled elsewhere hesitate to identify themselves. It is only when we stand with them, they feel the support.

Scholar Dr. Pavagada Prakash Rao delivered a discourse on the occasion.

Junior Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham Sri Datta Vijayananda Theertha Swamiji, Bhanuprakash Sharma, MLA T.S. Srivatsa, industrialist Mahesh Shenoy, Vice-President of Brahmana Mahasabha B.R. Nataraj Jois, social worker Dr. K. Raghuram Vajpayee, Datta Sene President R.N. Sathyanarayan, Secretary Murali, President of Arivu Samsthe H.N. Srikanth Kashyap and President of Amara Vipra Balaga Rajkumar were present.