The Hindu : Karnataka News : Mutt to educate children orphaned in tsunami

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 03, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Mutt to educate children orphaned in tsunami

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JAN. 2. The function to felicitate D.B. Basave Gowda, writer, turned into an occasion for Balagangadharanatha Swamy of Adichunchanagiri Mutt to take mild digs at those who "were pointing fingers" at mutts and religious institutions and trying to politicise them.

In an obvious reference to the fate that has befallen the Kanchi Shankarachayra, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamy also used the opportunity to dispense some spiritual therapy as the best antidote for the aftershocks of the tsunami.

Fatalistic attitude

Some people were trying to relate the plight of the Shankaracharya to the tsunami and its devastating consequences, but that was just a fatalistic attitude, he said. Instead, the message in the killer waves was for all humanity, to mend its ways, to mitigate the suffering of others, and to try and create the "idea of heaven" on earth. "In the rush to ensure happiness in heaven, people often forget that they can be happy here in this life, on this planet, and help make heaven on earth," he added.

The swamiji said the felicitation of Mr. Basave Gowda should be seen as an expression of the upbringing that parents have given their children, and when there is recognition, articulation of the finer feelings and appreciation of all the good things, strife, stress and the consequences of the present lifestyles on the younger generation can be mitigated.

Lesson in emulation

Events honouring achievers are a lesson in emulation, he said. The swamiji left the function early after announcing his plans to take aid and relief to the victims of the tsunami in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Adichunchanagiri Mutt has donated Rs. 5 lakhs to the State Government's relief fund. It is sending 1,000 quintals of rice, utensils, and other relief items to the affected places.

Further, the swamiji said the mutt will look after the education of the children orphaned in the tsunami. He plans to visit the affected areas.

Harnahalli Ramaswamy, former Minister, and Jayanti, film actress, who acted in the first film to be made by Mr. Basave Gowda, Savira Mettilu, were among those who attended the function.

Mr. Basave Gowda, who has made several films, and is credited with having given legendary film-maker, Puttanna Kanagal, his first break, and has also authored a biography of Puttanna Kanagal, had his new book, Kamanabillu released today.

Mr. Basave Gowda announced a donation of Rs. 25,000 for relief work in the tsunami-affected areas.

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