Mysuru: “I am very happy to release the book written by D. Madegowda during the Chaturmasa period. He had effectively used the power that he got for the service of the society that benefitted the poor and the marginalised and achieved a lot,” said Pejawar Seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji.

He was speaking after releasing the book titled Soorilladavarige Sooru ‘Asha Mandira’ written by former MLC D. Madegowda at a function organised by Asha Mandira Okkuta in association with Samvahana Prakashana at the Town Hall here on Sunday. 

Life is not just exercising power. As Sri Krishna has said once we are born we should serve the society and the nation. Man should not become selfish, one should see that others also grow with him or her. Only then will life be worth living. Hence, as Sri Krisha has said, our life should be full of sacrifices, said the Seer.

Educationist H.L. Satish speaking about the book said that Madegowda seeing that many did not have a roof over their head provided houses to them through his ‘Asha Mandira’ scheme. This helped thousands of poor people who remember him even today for his selfless service to the society.

Even though Madegowda was politically active, still the people of Mysuru did not support him. Even then he did not ignore the people of the city and during his tenure as the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) Chairman for 18 months, through Asha Mandira scheme he distributed houses and sites to thousands of people. Through this scheme he became popular as ‘Mane, Mane Madegowda.’ Such a scheme had not happened in the past nor has it happened now, said Satish.

Madegowda has said that he is not a writer did not know how to write. But one should not forget the sensation that Asha Mandira created all over the country. He has written this book so that the future  generation could use it as a model for the betterment of society, said Satish.

He faced several challenges and implemented the Asha Mandira scheme. He identified the poor people by visiting their houses gave them allotment letters, got them bank loans and along with the plans of the houses, he assisted them in every way. This shows his social justice and concern for the poor and this is the reason why Madegowda is remembered even after so many years, he said.

The governments listen to the suggestions of the revered Pejawar Seer and hence he should bring to the notice of the government various people-friendly programmes, he said and added that there were more than 80 photographs in the book and each picture describes the situation prevalent then.

Ramakrishna Ashram’s Shantivratananda Swamiji, MLA L. Nagendra, Litterateur Dr. C.P.Krishnakumar, former Mayors P. Vishwanath, Sandesh Swamy, Publisher D.N. Lokappa, Scholar K.B. Prabhuprasad were present.

Love should flow like water

Love is like water. If water is stored in a tank it starts stinking after a few days and gives rise to worms and insects. If water is flowing then the place will be clean. Even love is like flowing water. Just as water flows and joins the sea, our love should flow and reach the feet of the Lord. Love should break all shackles of caste, creed and religion and touch every person. Madegowda is a revolutionary who through his Asha Mandira scheme provided houses to everyone and thus is an inspiration for the future generation, says Pejawar Seer