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"President Pratibha Patil inaugurates the 101st birthday celebrations of the swamiji"

'Ensure young boys and girls receive gift of education'

'Scientists must work hand in hand with farmers'

TUMKUR: President Pratibha Patil has called upon the people to emulate the work culture practised by Shivakumara Swamiji, senior pontiff of Sri Siddaganga Math.

Inaugurating the three-day "Siddaganga Shivakumara Swami Birthday Celebration" at Sri Siddaganga Math, near here, on Monday, Ms. Patil said: "For swamiji, work is prayer for the welfare of mankind. I call upon all to make this a rule in their lives."

She said the swamiji was a living illustration of our ancient philosophy, where work is considered worship. Swamiji had been working relentlessly for the uplift of the rural poor. She said: "Performing work with motivation is the need of the nation. If each one works with dedication, it will result in increased efficiency, improved productivity and a superior social environment."

Stating that the United Nations had now drawn up goals to remove widespread hunger and ignorance, Ms. Patil said: "Siddaganga Math" over hundred years ago started work to free people from the scourge of poverty and hunger.

The math is known for "Vidya Danam and Anna Danam" (Knowledge removes ignorance and food banishes hunger.)

Appreciation

She expressed her happiness at the math imparting Sanskrit education up to the postgraduate level, and with the combination of ancient studies with contemporary subjects of technology and medicine in its 134 institutions. "I am confident that those who pass out from Siddaganga Math will become good citizens," Ms. Patil said, and added that education was a debt to be paid by the present generation to the future one. "We must ensure that young boys and girls receive the gift of education," she said.

"Young persons must be taught about compassion and caring towards each other and respecting elders," the President said.

On hunger

On a serious note, Ms. Patil said: "As we eat, we must see to it that others do not go hungry." She said over 100 million people faced the prospect of starvation in the world. Our population is growing at 2.1 per cent. China has stabilised its population. "We may need to take a look at our population policy," she said. "We need to have another Green Revolution."

She called upon scientists to constantly work hand in hand with our farmers and acquaint them with better farm practices. She wanted the Krishi Sammelan, planned for Tuesday as part of the celebration here, to deliberate upon the issue of farmers and come out with concrete suggestions to be implemented.

'Rare gem'

Governor Rameshwar Thakur said the swamiji was the rarest of rare gems of Karnataka.

Swamiji's life was an example of simple living and high thinking. Swamiji had combined tradition with modern life, he said. Mr. Thakur praised the contribution of the Siddaganga Math in the promotion of Sanskrit.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said the swamiji had rendered unparallel service to the people. "Words cannot describe the speed with which the swamiji developed the math in the last 79 years," Mr. Yeddyurappa said.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjuna Kharge said the swamiji was a living "Sharana" and had attained divinity by his service to mankind.

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