Karnataka   

Kalam for value-based education

DHARMASTHALA: The former President A.P.J. Abul Kalam on Sunday called upon the people to impart value based education to children and nurture family values.

Delivering the valedictory address at “sarvadharma and sahitya sammelanas”, organised by Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala, Dr. Kalam said that economic development alone would not lead the nation to prosperity. “Economic prosperity alone is not sufficient. I visualise a nation with righteous citizens,” he said.

Dr. Kalam said that human dignity could be enriched by enhancing knowledge. “Knowledge is combination of creativity, righteousness and courage. These characteristics can generate enlightened citizens. Father, mother and teachers can impart righteousness,” he added.

“When knowledge acquired is used with righteousness and courage on all education campuses, we will have empowered and enlightened citizens. They are required for the growth of the individual and the nation,” Dr. Kalam said.

Underlining the importance of leading a disciplined life, he said, “When there is an order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”

He said that youngsters could inculcate values from books, teachers and spiritual leaders.

The former President said that he visualised a nation where people from every religion would like to know the best side of other religions and where dignity of human life would never be compromised even during heated election campaigns.

“We should remember that injury caused for the sake of electoral gains may create permanent alienation of society,” he added.

Sri Sri Ravishankar of the Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore, said that humanity flourished where all religions converged.

He said that naxal activities had spread in 212 districts in the country.

Those who were involved in naxal activities had failed to understand the essence of “sarva dharma”, he said.

Ravishankar also called upon the people to minimise the use of plastics and take up rain water harvesting and other water conservation methods. Thontada Siddalinga Swamiji of Yadeyur Tontadarya Samsthana Math, Dambala, Gadag; G. S. Shivarudrappa, “Rashtra Kavi”, Mallepuram; and G Venkatesh, director, Prasaranga, Kannada University, Hampi, spoke. D. Veerendra Heggade, dharmadhikari, Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala, welcomed the gathering.

“Sarvadharma and sahitya sammelanas” was organised on the occasion of the five-day Lakshadeepotsava, which began on December 5. Various rituals were held during the five-day festival.

The samavasarana pooja of Chandranatha Swamy will be held here on Monday.

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