Mysore/Mysuru: “It is essential to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the youths must evolve their careers under the guiding principles of non-violence,” said President of Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Maddikere Gopal.

He was speaking at a programme, jointly organised by Swaananda Yogashaala & Wellness Centre and Sri Vasudeva Maharaj Foundation, as part of the 51st Aradhana Mahotsav of Sadguru Sri Shidhara Swamy, at Swaananda Yogashaala premises recently. He also conferred ‘Swaananda Seva Ratna’ Award on cultural thinker N. Sridhar Dixit on the occasion.

“Recently, Russia bombed a child care centre in Ukraine during its war with that country killing scores of children, which was condemned by United Nations and other countries. In their criticism, they had recalled the freedom struggle of non-violence preached and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi. The ideals of non-violence are relevant for the present world. Had Gandhi been alive today, he would have led a movement of non-violence and tried to stop the war between the nations. War will not benefit any country. War, which should have been the last choice, is becoming the first choice of the nations,” he regretted.

Stating that India, which has strong roots of spiritualism and yoga, has been recognised as a world leader (Vishwa Guru)  across the globe, he said that everyone must learn and practice yoga. Then only, we can free our society from hatred and jealousy. “It is laudable that the ‘Swaananda Seva Ratna’ Award is being conferred on Sridhar Dixit,” concluded Gopal.

Senior writer Dr. K. Leela Prakash, Brahmin leader K. Raghuram Vajpayee, Swaananda Yogashala President Poornima Sandeep, Trustee Uma Parthnath, Congress leader N.M. Naveen Kumar, Wellness Expert Dr. Nandini Murthy, Himalaya Pratishtana President N. Ananth, Sri Vasudeva Maharaj Foundation President M.V. Nagendra Babu, social activist Rakesh Bhat and others were present.