‘Ramanujacharya’ award was presented to Social worker K. Raghuram by Dr. Bhanuprakash Sharma, Founder, Shashwathi Dharmika Kriya Samithi, Srirangapatna, at a programme organised by Bharathiya Samskruthika Vikasa Vedike at the premises of District Kannada Sahitya Parishat near the Palace North Gate here recently as part of Ramanujacharya Sahasramana Jayanti celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Raghuram said that about 1,000 years ago,  Ramanujacharya stayed at Melukote shrine and for the first time gave permission for non-brahmins to enter the temple and distributed prasadam to them. He added that Ramanujacharya was instrumental in relaxing a few religious restraints and permitting people to receive the divine blessings.

He further said that woman and nature are respected in Indian culture but regretted that off late,  the youth were losing faith in religious beliefs thus increasing the crime rate.

Senior community leader Nataraj Jois, former District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal were present.