Eternal Seer

NADEDADUVA DEVARU

MRP: RS 1000

ETERNAL

SEER

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF ‘THE WALKING GOD’

ETERNAL

SEER THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF ‘THE WALKING GOD’

1908-2019 IN COLLABORATION WITH

TUMKUR MERCHANTS CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED MULTI-STATE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

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PUBLISHED BY

Express Publications (Madurai) Private Limited, Bengaluru

EDITORIAL

Resident Editor: Kiran Prakash Chief Sub Editor (Supplements): Vyas Sivanand Chief Sub Editor: Tina Sashikanth Sr. Staff Correspondent (Tumakuru): Devaraj B Hirehalli Design: Arun Kumar B | Cover (Background) Photo: Pandarinath B

MARKETING

General Manager: P Suresh Kumar | Sales Manager: Harish Babu Deputy Sales Manager: Dev Anand Asst. Sales Officer (Tumakuru): Jayarama MS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sri Siddaganga Prakashana Sree Sree Siddalinga Swamiji, President, Sree Siddaganga Mutt Dr. N. S. Jayakumar, Founder President, Tumkur Merchants Credit Co-operative Society (TMCC) Somanna G.S | S. Vishwanathaiah, Administrative Officer, Siddaganga Mutt T K Nanjundappa, Secretary, Siddaganga Mutt T S Ramachandra Rao | BCS, SIT for Photographs Go. Ru. Channabasappa, author of Chitra Jangama, a pictorial book on the Swamiji Dr. Shivakumaraiah, CEO, Siddaganga Institute of Technology

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FEARLESS LIVES

REPIDATION ceased to exist within Dr Sree Shivakumara Swamiji right from the time he was initiated into the Viraktashrama order in 1930.

He was an example of continuous transformation through his choice of action — establishing the Sri Siddaganga Education Society, and providing housing, education, food, and disciplinary lifestyle to thousands of children.

Express Publications (Madurai) Limited, (formerly Indian Express (Madurai) Limited) finds its roots dating back to 1931, when it was started by an Ayurvedic doctor. Later, led by late Ramnath Goenka, the Company was incorporated on April 11, 1959. Since then the newspaper began its brave pursuit to take journalism to heights never reached before.

The group’s belief in fearless journalism identifies itself with the bold pursuits of the Swamiji, a result of which is this coffee-table book.

An effort which traces the entire journey of Swamiji and his philosophies, this book tries to showcase the unique life of a seer who had inspired millions. It is an effort to keep him alive for eternity.

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The seer has trodden the path shown by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda in nation building. Sree Shivakumara Swamiji is a source of great inspiration & has devoted his entire life to service. — NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA (ON MARCH 4, 2018)

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My endeavour is not just to provide shelter and education, but to transform children into good citizens too, as the future of our country depends on them.

Education is the only tool that empowers a human being. It is only through education that people can gain awareness. — SREE SHIVAKUMARA SWAMIJI

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FOR 88 YEARS, AT 2.30 AM A NEW LIFE, NEW PHILOSOPHY

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he greatness of Dr Sree Shivakumara Swamiji lay in the fact he was successful in blending wisdom with reality. In his life spanning 111 years, he constantly shaped his mind with jewels of sagacity which did not contain to himself or the Siddaganga mutt - it spread through among millions of his followers. The equanimity of his mind was the result of the essential aspects of the institution that he represented, which believed in giving contentment and happiness following a pragmatic approach.

A seer for more than 88 years, from the time he took over the responsibilities of the mutt till his demise, he weaved his philosophies around the realities of life. His thoughts were clear and offered his followers great wisdom to live by. His belief was to approach every philosophy with a fresh, liberated, and uninhibited mind, strengthening them with time, using reason and information.

Having been in the close proximity of Sree Shivakumara Swamiji for 55 years, K N Shivaraja, a septuagenarian, who was the principal of the Sanskrit College at Siddaganga Mutt, considers the magnanimous manner in which Swamiji handled the turbulence caused by the demand of Lingayats for a “separate religion tag” as his single largest contribution to the peace and progress of the Indian society as a whole.

“His initial reaction over the issue was either misunderstood or misquoted by the leaders of both the Lingayats and

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the Veerashaivas. But the seer wasted no time in setting the record straight by issuing a clarification that brought solace to the entire Hindu community.

Thereafter, Sree Shivakumara Swamiji handled the situation so impressively that he served as a great wall, preventing the issue from exploding into a major catastrophe with potential to dent the fundamental beliefs and the image of Hinduism,” Dr Shivaraja said.

Sree Shivakumara Swamiji was often described as ‘Kaliyugada Basavanna’.

It was probably because he had ounces of peace within him even in turbulent times that we live in. He believed that one may not be able to control what happens to him or her, but one can control what happens within.

“His passing away should be construed as the beginning of a new era and not as an end, since his preachings and precepts linger on, urging us to come out of complacency and move on the path of Kayaka (work ethics),” said Prof M B Sadashivaiah, retired principal of Siddaganga Degree college.

Swamiji’s love for humanity did not stop at Hinduism alone. According to Dr Shivaraja, quite a few religious heads of Islam and Christianity developed a deep liking for Sree Shivakumara Swamiji and remained closely connected with him in matters of religious, social and educational service to society. It was Sree Shivakumara Swamiji who first threw open the doors of Sanskrit College at the Siddaganga Mutt, the biggest in the country, to students from Muslim and

Christian communities.

“Positive thinking was another of his assets. He would never say ‘No’ to anyone at any point of time. For instance, if an acquaintance went to him even when he was convalescing in an intensive care unit, and offered to jointly start a multi-crore project for the welfare of people, he would have said ‘Yes’ and pledged his full support. That was the kind of positive approach he had cultivated all through his life,” said Dr Shivaraja.

Following Basavanna’s teaching of ‘Work is Worship’, Sree Shivakumara Swamiji followed a strict schedule every day, starting at 2.30 am. He reserved a huge slot of time towards overseeing the administration of the mutt, meeting students and visitors, and responding to letters. He believed that work is wholesome; there is no dearth of it, and it results a sense of power and independence.

“He was a great achiever and the endless list of his achievements is multi-dimensional. Free food for more than 9,000 students of all ages, grades, castes, and creeds under a single roof on a secular basis along with thousands of visitors and tourists; providing divine darshan, blessings and spiritual healing to the ever flowing masses who came to him; conducting cart festival, cattle fair, agricultural and industrial exhibitions annually for the benefit of farmers and villagers; attending padapujas and shivapujas and functions all over the state and across; attending the mass prayer in the mutt at dawn and dusk, exhorting the students to dream

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bigger and work hard for a better tomorrow; and working along with students in the agricultural and building construction activities like sowing, weeding, reaping, carrying stones to the building sites at the mutt were religiously followed by him,” said Prof Sadashivaiah.

On the educational front, he was totally involved in the functioning of more than

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125 educational institutions, especially in rural areas, enabling more than 50,000 students for oriental and modern learning, creating employment opportunities for more than 2,500 and more members in the institutions established by the mutt.

According to Prof Sadashivaiah,

Swamiji was a great communicator. “The crowd that used to meet him daily would include tiny tots, students of all levels, politicians, seers, thinkers, VIPs, ministers and other dignitaries with whom he used to have an impressive and distinct communication in their conferences and deliberations. Being a great scholar in Sanskrit, Kannada and English, raising to

any occasion, he would create a spell over the audience in public meetings with his insights and progressive thoughts,” he said.

Sree Shivakumara Swamiji had a keen interest in political happenings and listened raptly to every leader who visited him. However, he had that rare ability of keeping a safe distance from the rumblings of politics.

“Being inspired by the lives and ideals of the luminaries like Aurobindo, Tagore, Gandhi, Vivekananda, Basavanna and others, and being far away from homas or yagnas, he elevated himself to great heights. This sage, enshrined in the heart of millions, has carved a niche in the hall of fame by scripting a new meaning to the concept of miracle through his life and living,” said Prof Sadashivaiah.

As Shivakumara Swamiji crossed 110 and stepped into 111, many stories were out on research into the secret of his life and that of his multi-pronged achievements. Dr Shivaraja revealed, “Taking advantage of the liberty granted to me by the seer at times of me doing a good job or completing an arduous assignment, I once asked him as to what was the secret of his life. I was astonished when the reply came which was so simple. He said: ‘The day I was ordained into sainthood, the ceremony went on till late into the night and got over at 2.30 am. I was so perplexed that I did not want to sleep. I went straight to my morning puja. That is what I have been doing every day since that momentous day. As a result, I have enough time at my disposal. I gain confidence of being at work earlier than all others.

I have the advantage of planning the day even before it breaks open for others’.”

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THE DAWN Born in Veerapura as Shivanna, Swamiji’s life was as humble as can be. Simplicity written across his younger years, not many could have believed what he would become.

But that has been the case with greatness; there is no pomp in the beginning, glory comes with time.

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The person who also made a personal impact on him was one of his elder brothers, Sree Kempananjappa, who lived a life of detached worldly attachments. Throughout his life he lived as a Brahmachari. At the age of eight, cruel destiny snatched away his beloved mother and that was partially a reason for some transformation in his mindset and behaviour. Once a very naughty child, Shivanna became calm and composed, gradually got attracted towards studies.

SWAMIJI, WHEN HE WAS 12 YEARS OLD

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WALKING God, incarnation of Basava, in the true tradition of Sharanas (egoless surrender and refuge in Shiva), Sree Sivakumara Swamiji belonged to the distinct tradition established

by Sree Gosala Channabasava, Sree Tontada Siddalingeshwara, Sree Ataveeshwara Mahaswamigalu and his predecessor and Guru Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu. For an unmatched period of 78 years, he headed the Siddaganga Mutt. He may be the only one, in the religious history of any country,

who headed a holy place of the kind, but secular in act, for such a long and continuous period.

CHILDHOOD Swamiji was born on April 1, 1908, in Veerapura, a tiny village in Magadi taluk of Karnataka. The village is surrounded by holy places, sacred hills and caves, and an enchanting environment. Born to religiously-minded parents,

Honnappa and Gangamma, who had 13 children — 8 sons and 5 daughters — he was the youngest among the boys, and was named Shivanna.

He would often accompany his parents to Shivagange, and make curious observations regarding the surroundings and seek answers from his parents. Since he used to visit Shivagange Kshetra almost every week, the place made a lasting impact on him. He also desired to know about Siddaganga Kshetra, and Sree Uddana Shivayogiga-

lu, the Siddlingeshwara deity, and the caves around Siddaganga. His mother once promised to take him to Siddaganga during the Shivaratri festival when Sree Uddana Swamiji would hold a Car Festival.

The person who also made a lasting impact on him was one of his elder brothers, Kempananjappa, who led a life detached from worldly charms.

Throughout his life he lived as a Brahmachari.

At the age of eight, destiny snatched away his beloved mother and that was partially a reason for some transformation in his mindset and behaviour. Once a very naughty child, Shivanna became calm and composed, gradually getting attracted to studies.

EDUCATION

LAND WHERE SREE SHIVAKUMARA SWAMIJI’S HOME ONCE STOOD

Shivanna did his primary schooling at his native Koolimath Veerapura and nearby Palanahalli village. Later, he joined the Government High School in Tumakuru. He completed his Matriculation in 1926.

For a short period of four months, he was a resident student of Sree Siddaganga Mutt, and received Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu’s spiritual bless-

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ings. The same year, he passed the entrance examination and joined Central College, Bangalore and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1930 with Physics and Mathematics as optional subjects. He stayed at Sree Gubbi Thotadappa Hostel when he was a student of Central College.

While he was studying at the Central College, another tragedy struck.

On January 16, 1930, he heard the news of the death of his close friend, Sree Marularadhya, who would have been the next head of the Siddaganga Mutt.

With a heavy heart, he completed the last rites of Sree Marularadhya.

In the meantime, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu went to the caves, immersing himself in deep thoughts and contemplating for an able successor, one who would be a replacement to the departed. People in and around the mutt started discussing among themselves that Shivanna would be an able person to occupy the coveted seat. The discussions drew the attention of Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu.

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THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS LONG JOURNEY

SWAMIJI (LEFT) WITH KENGAL HUNAMANTHAIAH AT CENTRAL COLLEGE

SWAMIJI DURING HIS YOUTH

THE SCHOOL IN PALANAHALLI WHERE SWAMIJI STUDIED. IT IS NOW AN ANGANWADI

When Shivanna was attending the rites to be performed at the samadhi of Sree Marularadhya, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu announced, “Shivanna, you should shoulder the responsibility by becoming the successor to the head of the mutt and be a representative of Sree Siddalingeshwara to carry forward the work of this Punya (sacred) Kshetra,” and blessed him by touching his head.

Shivanna accepted the role offered to him by his guru, wearing the saffron costume of a Virakta in the true spirit and tradition of Veerasaivism. He was renamed “Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu”. He returned to Central College to complete his studies. He later wrote a letter to Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu that the formalities of his succession should be completed as early as possible so that he could be free of any pressure from his parents and relatives.

The suggestion was accepted and he was formally initiated into the holy order as a successor on March 3, 1930, and thus he joined the generation of sages in the tradition set in 1300 A.D

by Sree Gosala Siddeshwaraprabhu Swamigalu.

On hearing the news of him being made the successor of the head of Sree Siddaganga Mutt, his teachers and mates showered their wishes on him.

However, it was a rude shock to his father, who had planned a life of a highranked official for him. But destiny had something else in store for him as his son would never return to that subjective world.

He tried to persuade his son to change his decision, but he was rock firm in his decision and never changed the almighty’s wish that one day he would enter the life of a sage and tread a new path that was not for one family, but for the world as his family, just as it is said in Sanskrit, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

In the early days itself, after taking over as the head of the mutt, Swamiji’s traits of creativity, ‘work is worship’ motto, love and compassion became evident.

It began spreading throughout the length and breadth of the state, and donations started pouring in.

He expanded the Dasoha (charity or giving), and Sanskrit College and took up construction of new hostels for students.

Hundreds of incidents have been narrated about how poor and rich alike thronged to the mutt and made their contributions without expectations of any return.

Under the able and watchful eyes of Sree Uddana Shivayogi, Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu promoted the work of the mutt as he was destined to take it to new heights.

In 1937, the Sree Siddalingeshwara Sanskrit School, established in 1917 by Sree Uddana Shivayogi, was upgraded as a Sanskrit College.

It started offering a degree course in Logic and Grammar, Linguistics and Literatures and admitted students from all castes and communities.

The Dasoha continued to grow, with its student wealth increasing by the day.

The last journey of Sree Uddana Shivayogi began. He was suffering from old age and was bedridden.

But he was confident that his dis-

ciple has shaped well to continue the tradition of the mutt without any difficulty.

He stayed in the old mutt during his last days and Sree Sivakumara Swamiji would visit him often, along with visitors and Swamijis from other mutts.

Sree Uddana Shivayogi was content that he had succeeded in implanting a Kalpa Vruksha (wish-fulfilling divine tree) in the sacred garden of Sree Gosala Siddeshwara and Sree Tontada Siddalingeshwara, and reared a Kamadhenu (divine bovine-goddess) to look after the mutt.

On a Saturday, January 11, 1941, at 11.45 pm, in the presence of Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu, who was in all agony, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu ended his being from this world.

SITE WHERE SWAMIJI’S PARENTS ARE BURIED

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VEERAPURA VILLAGE

VEERAPURA

THE PLAYGROUND

BY DEVARAJ B HIREHALLI

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EERAPURA, a tiny, remote village with lush green forests, sobbed when its well-read son, Shivanna, was initiated into sanyas (the holy order) on March 3, 1930. The village sobbed again on January 21, 2019, but soaked in pride, after his demise.

None of the family members or any resident of the village took part in the event of his initiation into the holy order, recalled Rajashekaraiah, the 93-year-old son of Swamiji’s older brother, Balappa. “Swamiji never helped any of us, but we are happy that he has

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served the people of the world irrespective of caste and creed,” Rajashekaraiah, a farmer, said, as his grandchildren, Pawan, a student of B.Com in a government college at nearby Kuduru, and Darshan, who is preparing for civil services at a coaching centre in Bengaluru, nod their heads with pride.

Darshan’s mother Survanamma, a teacher at the nearby government primary school, expressed similar feelings without an iota of attachment either to the Siddaganga Mutt or the Swamiji.

Basavaraju, a priest at a temple, and Shivaramaiah, a resident of the village, said that BESCOM had taken the village, which has over 150 households, as a model and electrical connection

has been ensured to everyone.

Although the village reaches a dead-end, KSRTC runs two trips here, otherwise people would have to walk 3-4 km to get transport.

Swamiji’s father and mother, Honne Gowda and Gangamma, were a religious couple, with great devotion for the deities, Gangadhareshwara and Honnadevi of the famous Shivagange, close to Veerapura village. Gangamma used to take Shivanna to the nearby caves of great saints, which made an impact on the young boy who used to ask a string of questions.

The house where he was born paved a way for Basavanna temple, which the Swamiji inaugurated on May 9, 1999.

After being initiated into the holy order, Swamiji visited the village only thrice, including once for the house warming ceremony of his nephew, in 1955. The last visit was in 2003 while laying the foundation stone for a meditation hall.

Interestingly, his predecessor, Sri Uddhana Shivayogigalu, had visited the village in 1930 to convince Shivanna’s father, Honne Gowda, for the initiation of his son into the holy order.

Shivanna’s decision was also firm, and

SWAMIJI’S OLDER BROTHER BALAPPA’S SON, 93-YEAR-OLD RAJASHEKARAIAH

he did not change his mind for the words of either his father or affectionate relatives. It took 25 years for him to pay a visit to the village on the repeated appeals of his nephew for his house warming ceremony. Since, he appealed as a devotee, the Swamiji made up his mind and took part. Even at the instance of the death of his father, the Swamiji did not take part in the funeral as it is forbidden for saints once they tread the path of the holy order of Viraktashrama.

Such was his degree of detachment from his past life and family.

He was an affectionate child of the village and family members, as recounted by his sister, late Gowramma, in a book in 1985. ‘Until the age of five, he used to be breastfed by his mother. He would roam the fields, the farms and pluck fruits and eat but not before sharing with his close childhood friends, Venkataramanaiah, Gollara Palya’s Balaiah, Rudraiah, a Dalit, among others. He would swim in the village’s tank and play mara kotiyata (monkeys’ play) on the trees’.

He joined a ‘coolie mutt’ of the village for primary schooling and then a school at the nearby Palanahalli where he studied up to class IV. The untimely demise of his affectionate mother perturbed the young boy of eight. His father had shifted him to his older sister, Puttahonnamma’s house at Nagavalli (then Taruru) near Tumkur where he continued his studies.

Until he became Swamiji, he used to spend his holidays in the village. He would work in the farms, rear the cattle and would finish the work of two labourers. Such was his stamina. He would picnic with his friends at divine places like Shivagange, Kanchugal Bande Mutt and Kachakallappana Betta hills among others. He used to study during spare time and make time for the regular shiva pooja.

The rivulet in the west of the village, now dried up, and the hippe aka Illupai tree situated at the tank where he used to relax were also his favourite places in the village.

But the tree was chopped off long years ago and the residents had affectionately transported four loads of its firewood sourced from its stock to Siddaganga Mutt in 1979.

ENTRANCE TO VEERAPURA VILLAGE

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The saints, sharanas, and daasarus live for the welfare of the world, for the betterment of the world, for human values, for the service of god. With welfare of their soul, they carry out welfare of the world as well. People build the state, an empire, but we do not remember their names. People who sacrificed themselves for the welfare of mankind like Buddha, Basava, Gandhi, Ambedkar are immortal. Love towards the world is the main aim of the mahatmas, through shivapatha, and we should all walk that way.

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HOLY PROVINCE

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REE Siddaganga Mutt has been regarded as a place blessed with knowledge and wisdom, religion and culture, and above all, a place enshrined the with Basava philosophy of “Maha Dasoha Kshetra” (Offering Holy meals to pilgrims). The mutt has been working for the welfare of mankind, with an aim to build a secular India through its creative and multifaceted activities in the true words and spirit of Basava and his disciples as envisaged in “Sarve Janaha Sukhino Bhavantu” (Let everyone be happy). The heads of this holy place have traced this path and their entire life was led with the motto and mission, “Work is Worship”.

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AMALGAM OF NATURE & PHILOSOPHY

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REE Siddaganga Mutt is surrounded by hillocks, of which the two known well are Ramagiri (or Ramalinga) Hills and Siddaganga Hills.

These hillocks have a number of caves housing Shivalinga, and have become the place of research in Shaiva historicity. The famous Shivagange Hills is also located near Sree Siddaganga Mutt.

The Shivayogis were saints with a desire for spiritual attainments who were attracted to its serene surroundings and purity of nature. They con-

sidered nature as the creator’s gift to human beings. The caves of Sree Siddaganga Hills are regarded as the residences of Shivayogis who played an active role in the Basava movement in the 12th century. Even today, there are many caves in Siddaganga and other hills — four in Ramalinga Hills, three in Siddana Hills and seven caves in Shivaganga Hills, and most of them are still in good condition.

PHILOSOPHICAL HUB Shunyasampadane is an anthology of poems in Kannada that includes the vachanas and dialogues of several

Lingayat saints. It is an important part of the holy scriptures of Lingayats. The word Shunyasampadane can roughly be translated as “the acquisition of nothing,” in which Shunya translates to “nothingness”, “void” or “empty”.

It has been found that the Siddaganga Mutt, from the early years of its establishment, had some links with this philosophy, as many sharanas (devotees) from this place created literary works on this subject. The well-known among them are Gummalapur Siddalingeshwara Shoonya Sampadane, and Siddaveerannadeya Shoonya Sampadane, among others.

This kind of philosophical contribution by many sharanas to this place is aptly considered responsible for the spread of the philosophy of Kalyana Basava and his followers.

Besides these versions of Shunyasampadane, many literary and epic works of the highest order bear their origin to this place. This kind of a religious scenario is clearly observed in the geographical area spread between Hardanahalli and Mysuru.

The topographical area covering Siddaganga, Shivaganga, Gubbi, Yediyur, and Hardanahalli was regarded as a place for spreading Sharana Sahitya (literature), culture and religious endowment from 12th to 18th century.

This has been influenced by the contributions made by the sharanas of Basava period, and the same tradition is followed by Sree Siddaganga.

The area is also known for religious movements, as a number of mutts in and around the place have been found.

Shivaganaga had 64 mutts, a few of which are in existence now.

There were another 63 mutts, including the Sarpabhushan Mutt, in the heart of Bengaluru city. These were the abodes of great religious leaders who propagated the mission of “Work is Worship”, the basic philosophy of Sree Basaveshwara.

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PIC BY PANDARINATH B

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BLESSED JOURNEY 28

FTER Kalyana Kranti (revolution) in the 12th century, many sharanas and disciples of Basava left for different parts of the country. They used the hillocks, the caves, and the nearby mutts as their residence to undertake many social, religious, and people-oriented welfare activities. Sree Channabasaveshwara, an ardent disciple of Sree Basava, went to Ulavi, a faraway place in the thick forest of Supa taluk in the Western Ghats. Similarly, another group of disciples went to Sree Shaila, while some others came to Shivagan-

ga, headed by Sree Chikka Siddesha.

From the 15th century onwards, the tradition of sharanas had spread in a number of places. Three sharanas — Revanasidda, Murulasidda and Siddamalla — are said to have moved from Shivaganga. They stayed in Ramagiri, Shivagiri, Siddagiri and Nelamane hills. Similarly, the Siddaganga hills became the abode of many sharanas.

The history of Sree Siddaganga Mutt starts in the 14th century. The holy names associated with the establishment and growth of the mutt include Sree Hardanahalli Gosala Siddeshwara Swamigalu (1300-1350), Sree Hardanahalli Shankaracharya Swamigalu (1393), Sree Har-

danahalli Gosala Channabasavarajendra Swamigalu, and Sree Tontada Siddalingeshwara Swamiji (1400 - 1480). Sree Haradanahalli Gosala Siddeshwara was the 15th in the order of peetacharya (head of mutt) of Niranjana Jagadguru. He handed over his headship to the next peetacharya in Haradanahalli and went to Shivaganga with his 101 followers to create his own independent place for his religious work.

Then he moved to a hill near Keta Samudra (now Kyathasandra) from Shivaganga. He created 101 caves for his followers to study and meditate and also established the mutt at Siddaganga.

It is said that Sree Gosala Siddeshwara, to quench the thirst of one of his aged disciples, hit a rock, and a stream of water gushed out. The holy water was named “Siddaganga” and the place thus got the name. It is believed that the holy water had the power to heal mental and physical ailments, and it was allowed to be used by all communities.

Sree Gosalasiddeshwara’s disciple, Sree Shankaracharya Swamiji, continued his work till late 14th century. He followed his guru and came to Siddaganga. He lived in one of the caves of Siddaganga hills for some time and then moved to Gubbi. Sree Tontada Siddalingeshawara Swamiji made a revolutionary contribution to the development of Siddaganga Mutt. Later, he moved to Yediyur and stayed there till the end of his life.

Though Gosala Siddeshwara was known to have established the Siddaganga Mutt, Sree Tontada Siddalingeshwara Swamiji is regarded as its first head.

No exact details on the development of the mutt are available from the 15th to the 18th century. A new era of development activities of Sree Siddaganga Mutt began with Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu.

The history of Sree Siddaganga Mutt, in the last two centuries, can be regarded as highly progressive because of two of its greatest leaders — Sree Uddana Shivayogiglu and Dr. Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu.

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SREE SREE ATAVEESHWARA SWAMIGALU

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REE Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu joined Sree Sree Siddalingeshwara Swamiji, the then head of Sree Siddaganga Mutt, at the beginning of the 19th century. Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu came from Koodala of Hanagal Taluk, the place known for the confluence of two sacred rivers: Dharma and Varada. He was involved in performing pujas and other religious routines at “Gurunanjeshwara Gaddige� at Koodala. Due to some painful incident, he left the place and moved to Naganoor. He again moved and went to Gubbi and settled there, performing his routines as usual. After knowing about Siddaganga, he reached the mutt and was deeply impressed by its surroundings and the environment. He settled there and engaged himself in religious activities and also gave much attention to public contact activities. It was his forethought and inclination towards public good, and importance for education that led to the promotion of Dasoha and the Sanskrit Gurukula.

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SREE SREE UDDANA SHIVAYOGIGALU

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REE Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu adorned the seat of Sree Siddaganga Mutt after Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu. He was born in 1860 at Lakkur village of Nelamangala taluk with the name Rudrappa. At the age of 10, he was given a book to read by his guru, Sree Sree Phalar Swamigalu, that influenced him to go into seclusion.

He also engaged in prayers, was totally involved in worshipping Shiva, and meditation at Siddanabetta Caves. One night, he left his home, dissociating all his family ties. His mind drew him towards Siddaganga. In the early morning, he met Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamiji. Rudrappa told the seer that he had come to live in the mutt.

He was warned that living in the mutt was strenuous, but he began his service. Soon, Rudrappa took on the entire responsibility of the mutt. Sree Ataveeshwara Swamiji decided that Rudrappa was the right person to continue his unfinished work. He named him after a sage of 1300 A.D. as Uddana Shivayogi. His sojourn started thus.

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THE SEER THROUGH THE YEARS SEVERAL MILESTONES WERE ACHIEVED THROUGHOUT THE LONG LIFE OF SREE SHIVAKUMARA SWAMIJI, MANY OF WHICH ALTERED THE COURSE OF HIS LIFE, WHILE OTHERS CHANGED THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

Organised the second Shivanubhava conference on Siddaganga premises

18 JUN 1946

27 APR 1948 Organised Shivanubhava conference on Siddaganga premises 28 JAN 1945 Started Siddaganga High School in Tumkur 1 SEP 1944

Became Committee Chief of the All India Veerashaiva conference held in Tumkur

11 JAN 1941 11 JAN 1941

Took charge of all activities of Siddaganga mutt Shivayogi Sree Uddana Swamy passes away Siddalingeshwara Sanskrit school got converted to college Visited Shivayoga Mandira Appointed as chairman of Siddaganga Mutt

1927-1930

Passed in the entrance exam Stayed along with chairman of Siddaganga mutt, Sree Uddana Shivayogi for four months High school education, Tumkur Government High School Middle school eduation; Nagavalli (Tarur)

Primary education, Veerapura and Palana village

Birth: Veerapura, Magadi taluk

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1930

1927-1930

B.A. classes, Central College, Bangalore Took shelter in the Bangalore Thotadappa students hostel

10 SEP 1933

3 MAR 1930

Took part in the cremation of the successor of Siddaganga mutt Sree Marularadhya. Took the blessing of Sree Uddana Swamy

1927 1926

1922 1921 1913

1 APR 1908

1937

19 JUN 1949 Conducted all-religion conference on the mutt premises 1950 In Dharmasthala, received an honour from Manjaiah Heggade during the ‘Mahanadavali Utsav’ 1951 Discourse by the Swamy on ‘Prabhulinga Leela’ 1955

Opened the Old Students’ Association

1955

Opened the Sanivasa High School

1955

Opened a students’ hostel in Sakleshapura

1956

Started the Sanskrit College building

1956

Foundation of the Sri Siddaganga Teachers Training Institute laid

1962

Established Sree Siddaganga Education Society

1965

Conferred with honorary degree - Doctor of Literature - Karnataka University

2007

On his centenary, the Government of Karnataka awarded Swamiji the prestigious Karnataka Ratna award, the highest civilian award of the state

2015

Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan

1 APR 2017 Became a supercentenarian HOSPITALISATION 25 JUN 2016 26 JAN 2018

Hospitalised with jaundice and discharged after treatment Diagnosed with pneumonia and gall bladder infection, but recovered

3 JAN 2019

Hospitalised again

21 JAN 2019

Demise

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For the world, peace is a necessity now.

Physical wealth is really growing. Ethical wealth is perishing and for this reason, there is unrest everywhere. As per Basavanna, “what is the religion which does not have mercy”, which should be understood by everyone. Through peace and healing, there is mercy for life. Peace-loving people need to move forward in order to cultivate this feeling universally. There is no service beyond the service of peace in people’s lives. Peace & friendship must be the mantras of our eternal life.

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DIVINE

LIGHT An inspiration of Sree Shivakumara Swamiji, Basavanna is worshipped across the globe. The concepts of the soul, sacredness of married life, equality of the upper and the lower classes, the work-worship activities, male-female equality, match between knowledge and action, sympathy towards life — all these characters were in sync with him. In the current scenario, self- realisation and fulfillment of life following the examples of Basavanna is the only divine way.

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B 38

ASAVANNA was a 12th-century Hindu philosopher, statesman and Kannada poet who was part of the Shiva-focussed Bhakti movement and social reformer during the reign of Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I. Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanas.

Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions and rituals such as the wearing of the sacred thread, but introduced Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Linga, for every person, regardless of his or

her birth, as a constant reminder of one’s bhakti (devotion) to Shiva.

As chief minister of his kingdom, he introduced public institutions such as the Anubhava Mantapa (hall of spiritual experience), which welcomed men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane questions of life, in the open.

The traditional legends and hagiographic texts state Basava to be the founder of the Lingayats. However, modern scholars, relying on historical evidence

such as the Kalachuri inscriptions, say that Basava was the poet-philosopher who revived, refined and energised an already existing tradition.

The Basavarajadevara Ragale (13 out of 25 sections are available) by the Kannada poet Harihara (circa 1180) is the earliest available account on the life of the social reformer, and is considered important because the author was a near-contemporary of his protagonist.

A full account of Basava’s life and ideas are narrated in a 13th-century sacred Telugu text, the Basava Purana,

by Palkuriki Somanatha.

Basava’s literary works include the Vachana Sahitya in Kannada. Several works are attributed to Basava, which are revered in the Lingayat community.

These include various Vachanas (literally, “what is said”) such as the Shat-sthala-vachana (discourses of the six stages of salvation), Kala-jnana-vachana (forecasts of the future), Mantragopya, Ghatachakra-vachana and Raja-yoga-vachana.

Basava emphasised constant personal and spiritual development as the path to profound enlightenment. He championed the use of the vernacular language, Kannada, in all spiritual discussions, so that translation and interpretation by the elite is unnecessary, and everyone can understand the spiritual ideas.

Basava’s approach is akin to the Protestant movement. His philosophy revolves around treating one’s own body and soul as a temple; instead of making a temple, he suggests being the temple.

His trinity consisted of guru (teacher), linga (personal symbol of Shiva) and jangama (constantly moving and learning). He questioned rituals, dualism and externalization of God, and stated that the true God is “one with himself, self-born”.

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Independent India should become culturally good, self-esteemed and self-reliant. People should live without any differences in caste, creed, section or religion. The values of humanity should be uplifted, social & religious coexistence should be encouraged.

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& WORK

WORSHIP

W

hen Sree Shivakumara Swamiji willed to let go of the life he and his parents had planned, so as to live the life that was waiting for him, he had firmly decided on another aspect to be made a habit — to give away all the love that he had. So, it was only a miracle that every time he gave, the more he possessed.

His belief of ‘Work is Worship’, following his inspiration, Basava, always revolved around giving, be it education, knowledge, food or prayers; every aspect involved attributing value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, and compassion. He believed that the self was not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through work and worship.

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ANNA, GNANA

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WORK &WORSHIP

IDYADANA (Imparting education) and Annadana (offering free food) are contemporary principles of Indian social and religious culture. Since the time of Basaveshwara, these principles of Basava philosophy were followed within the Gurukula system of education, and Dasoha. Sree Siddaganga Mutt, inheriting this tradition, has been carrying out these activities since the late 19th century.

Sree Siddaganga Gurukula is the premier hub of the mutt. It is an abode of charity and a unique Gurukula which provides free education, food and shelter to thousands of poor and rural children, without discrimination. In 1902, late Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu started a small Sanskrit Gurukula, where free education in the ancient texts was imparted. Today, the Sanskrit College has an excellent library with more than 20,000 volumes in Kannada, English and Sanskrit, and receives 100 magazines in exchange.

THE GROWTH

PIC BY PANDARINATH B

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This small effort by Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu became a college in 1937, during Sree Sree Uddana Shivayogi Swamiji’s tenure.

The traditions of Gurukula and Dasoha have been followed even to this day, and Sree Sid-

daganga Mutt has become a unique Gurukula. The strength of this Gurukula service has grown steadily over the years — there was only one teacher and 20 students when it was started.

By 1917, there were about 40 students belonging to all faiths and communities. When Sree Sivakumara Swamiji took responsibility in 1941, there were about 200 students. The ceaseless and untiring efforts of Sree Swamiji resulted in the present magnitude of more than 8,000 children.

ADMISSIONS The special characteristic of the Gurukula is its focus on the poor, orphans, and children from all parts of Karnataka and even from neighbouring states.

In particular, they represent all faiths, religious sects, communities and innumerable castes and beliefs. As per the figures of 1973-1974, it was found that Muslim children were also admitted to the Gurukula.

The inmates of the Gurukula represented as many as 53 different caste and communities at one time. For admissions, children used to go directly to Swamiji with their parents, and he personally received them, and blessed the children and parents.

The mutt also runs a school for blind children, and has a separate hostel facility for them.

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PIC BY PANDARINATH B

MAGNANIMITY

WORK &WORSHIP

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HE anna dasoha tradition of feeding the poor was introduced long ago by Sree Sree Ataveeshwara Swamigalu. It has only grown to feed thousands of children and even visitors. Later, in the year 1966, the country was seriously suffering from a shortage of food grains.

Poor people came to the mutt in the hope that they will get a square meal for survival. Sree Swamiji, realising the plight of the poor, was determined to feed them at any cost. He would starve himself, but see none would go without a meal. At this juncture, Sree Swamiji himself stood in the kitchen, and prepared food with the assistance of his followers. He would feel immensely happy when all went with a satisfied meal. Then Karnataka Government enhanced the food grains quota to the mutt.

Today, no one could be seen leaving the dining hall, having a capacity to seat 6,000 children at one go, hungry.

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WORK &WORSHIP WHERE

JOY SIMMERS

PIC BY PANDARINATH B

I

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T is said that the cooking fire in the kitchen has never gone out since the day it was started! The mutt has implemented 640 sq m2 capacity concentrated solar project for the purpose of cooking.

The plant is installed on the rooftop of the canteen. Prior to the implementation of the system, the establishment was using fuel-wood for the boiler to generate steam. Although it is still used, around 1000 kg of fuel-wood is saved by adopting the concentrating solar cooking system. There are around 30 solar discs installed for the kitchen. Every day, the kitchen requires 30 quintals of rice, 5 quintals of ragi, 3 quintals of tur dal, 4 quintals of ghee. Breakfast usually consists of rava upma or rice bath.

Two days a week, chapathi is also served. Every month, there is a day for sweets like payasam or boondi.

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ENLIGHTENMENT

WORK &WORSHIP

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INSTITUTIONS UNDER Polytechnic - 1

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College of Pharmacy - 1

High Schools- 56

College of Nursing - 1

Sanskrit College - 1

First Grade Colleges - 4

PreUniversity Colleges - 8

THE SOCIETY

Higher Primary Schools - 7

College of Education (B.Ed.) - 1

Composite Junior Colleges - 4

Institute of Technology (Engineering) - 1

Institute of Business Management - 1

Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) - 4

Teachers Training Institutions (D.Ed.) - 2

Kannada Pandit Integrated B.A College -1

Veda and Sanskrit Schools - 20

Primary and Pre-primary Schools (Nursery) - 7

Handicapped Cooperative Education Centre - 1

NE morning, Dr. Sree Shivakumara Swamiji was on a visit to the fields when he felt that Tumakuru and surrounding areas needed an engineering college as most of the technical institutions were concentrated in Bengaluru. This idea was primarily responsible for establishing Sree Siddaganga Education Society in the year 1962.

When Swamiji started in 1941, the mutt had 200 students pursuing Sanskrit education. The Dasoha involved ‘Anna’, ‘Vidya’ and ‘Ashraya’. Sree Swamiji’s vision, hard work, organisational skill, and moral strength led to expansion to the extent that today nearly 8,000 students are beneficiaries of the Great Dasoha. Swamiji envisioned that the best way to destroy the inequalities in society was through education. Though he went on to establish many colleges, including professional ones, his main focus was primary education.

Even today, there are many primary and secondary schools that are operating in the nooks and crannies of Karnataka and most of them are in the rural areas.

Thus, he heralded the progress of Vidya Dasoha to Gnana Dasoha.

The first institution started under the Sree Siddaganga Education Society was the Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumakuru (earlier was known as Sree Siddaganga College of Engineering). Today, the Society runs more than 120 educational institutions and most of them impart primary and secondary education.

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AN INSTITUTION IN HIMSELF WORK &WORSHIP

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BY DEVARAJ B HIREHALLI

w

ILL Durant, the American philosopher, once said, “Education is the transmission of civilisation.” But Sree Shivakumara Swamiji could be more admired than Durant, because he actually made the statement a reality. The legend propagated the 12th century revolutionary Basaveshwara’s ‘Work is Worship’ philosophy in true letter and spirit.

The ancient idyllic gurukula has descended on Siddaganga Mutt, where over 8,000 children are nurtured with free food, shelter and education, with rigorous training in building character and respecting cultural values. Rural masses, cutting across caste and creed, are imparted education and shaped as better citizens of the country, propagating the ideals of ‘Work is Worship’ which their guru practiced.

Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), established in 1963, ranks as one among the top 10 engineering colleges, producing thousands of scientists, administrators and academicians of class.

Having faced great hardships as a child, Swamiji, a BA (Honours) with Mathematics from Central College, Bengaluru, was himself turned down by his predecessor, Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu, when he sought admission during his high school days. He then rented a room at Chikkapete area in Tumakuru and would cook for himself. He who lost his mother at the age of eight, knew the difficulties of an orphan.

Thus, he never said ‘no’ to any child

who wanted admission to study in the mutt, where thousands make a beeline every year. The way he showered love and affection on their very first visit and enquired about their background during an informal interview of a child or guardian, was magnetic. Once the pupil joins the mutt, he never returns home until his education is complete and he reaches a milestone.

There were days when Swamiji would himself cook and serve food to children during the 1940s, and also involve the slightly older ones as volunteers, especially to serve. Thus, the legacy ‘be the change you want to see’ appropriately suited the great guru and his disciples.

Teaching about personal hygiene to young children has seemingly been made easy at the mutt. It is a miracle that no instance of food poisoning or children taking ill has occurred in the mutt.

The regular mass prayer every evening after classes is a must for students.

Parenting, too, was inherent in Swamiji who would keep a hawk’s eye on the pupils. His staff and attendants have been prompt and also vigilant. It is a legacy. In 1945, one of Swamiji’s attendant, Basha, a Muslim, would keep strict vigil on young boys who would venture into wells to swim, without permission from their teachers.

The sky was the limit for Swamiji’s love for children; never beating them.

He would get up early and take special classes for children in Sanskrit, Mathematics and English, which were difficult for rural students to deal with. Antakshari competitions involved

not cinema numbers, but singing of Sanskrit hymns. Regular debate competitions were conducted with Swamiji chairing the event, shaping many students as leaders of their fields.

In fact, when Sree Shivakumara Swamiji was initiated into sanyas (holy order) on March 3, 1930, by his guru, Sri Uddana Shivayogigalu, there was a lone school of Sanskrit established in 1917 by the latter, as the 13th-century mutt was restricted mostly to religious activities.

It was during 1937-38 that the school was upgraded as Sree Siddalingeshwara Veda-Sanskrit College. The situation was not much different when Sree Shivakumara Swamiji took the reins of the mutt as its sole head on January 11, 1941, after the demise of Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu. He was left with a mere Rs 300 in his account as the president of the mutt, and it became a daunting task to establish Siddaganga High School, which was, however, started in 1944 in Tumakuru. The launch of the Sree Siddaganga Education Society (SSES) turned the tables in favour of the mutt as it ushered in many educational institutions, including SIT and Teachers’ Training Institutes, among others.

Today, there are about 125 educational institutions spread across the state, imparting value-based education to thousands of students, right from kindergarten to engineering level. Schools and colleges for the visually impaired, and for girls, were initiatives Swamiji took to foster humankind.

The seer, who opened the doors of knowledge to millions of people, was a socialist by practice.

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EXPANDING HORIZONS

C WORK &WORSHIP

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onsidering the ever increasing number of pilgrims, guest-houses have been expanded. To accommodate the growing numbers, expansion of the student hostel, hall, library, museum, staff quarters is undertaken as and when required.

To provide better facilities to residents and pilgrims, there is a post office, co-operative society, bank, hospital and other necessary facilities.

The main seva activity centre is the Old Students’ Association, formed by thousands of students who studied there. This association is involved in service along with numerous disciples.

The news and messages of the mutt is spread across the nooks and crannies of the country with Siddaganga, the monthly magazine.

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The mind of a man is always occupied with something and not free from thoughts. The nature of his mind is such that it will be thinking one or the other thing without remaining calm even for a moment.

It is to be stopped from wandering everywhere and directed to go along the chosen path.

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WORK &WORSHIP

CHANT OF THE HEART

O

ne of the befitting things one can see in the mutt is the daily prayer by students.

All students participate in the prayers without any disparity of caste or creed. The prayers are held both in the mornings as well as in the evenings, during which time the seer used to be present to guide the students.

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WORK &WORSHIP

SERENE SUPREMACY Shiva-yoga enables man to mount the heights of cosmic consciousness where he thinks not of the universe, but with the universe

T

HE holy seer had attained complete knowledge of shiva-yoga, which is a person’s mental and physical indefinable state. The main aim is the proper usage of the mind-wit egoism. By way of shiva-yoga, the mind is cleansed.

Ego vanishes. Pure shiva-yoga is intrinsic, will have pure determination, become spiritual energy, and take a disinterested stance. In a shiva-yogi, there will be patience, dedication, life consciousness, cheerfulness, fearlessness, simplicity, and a spirit of harmony. Qualities which were intrinsically woven within Sree Shivakumara Swamiji.

He never missed the istalingapoo-

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ja. As per the sharanas, the istalingapooja is a way of self-expectation — a medium of drishtiyoga. It is performed by advanced Shiva-yoga participants.

Shiva-yoga is also a technique of opening the third eye. The third eye is an enigmatic organ having a universal mythological history. It is the middle eye of Shiva; it is the eye of Horas of Egyptian tradition, it is the horn of the unicorn. The third eye is an organ apparently dormant but innately acquired by mankind whose awakening is the birthright of every individual.

It is an organ of inner vision which embraces eternity, while the two physical eyes see neither the past nor the future.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE SEER For about 88 years, Swamiji followed a strict routine, never missing, except when ill. The way he lived a day was one reason for his unique immunity, and probably his long life too 2.15 AM: Start of the day UP TO 2.45 AM: Studying of the sharana, chanting the saint’s principles

EARLY MORNING

UP TO 3.00 AM: Bathing and other activities FROM 3.00 TO 5.30 AM: Shivapooja, having light prasada 5.30 TO 6.00 AM: Morning mass prayer 6.15 TO 7.40 AM: Teaching English and Sanskrit lessons to students FROM 7.40 TO 7.50 AM: Reading newspaper 7.50 TO 8.40AM: Letter communication 8.40 TO 9.00 AM: Reviewing the letters 9.00 TO 9.10 AM: Inspection of prasada preparation 9.10 TO 9.30 AM: Inspecting mutt activities 9.30 TO 10.30 AM: Replying to letters received 10.30 TO 10.45 AM: Inspecting the food system of the students

AFTERNOON

10.45 TO 12 NOON: Giving darshan to devotees in the office 12.00 TO 1.00 PM: Tying amulet to devotees 1.00 TO 2.30 PM: Giving darshan to devotees in office and doing office work 2.30 TO 3.30 PM: Pooja and receiving prasada 3.30 TO 5.30 PM: Inspecting the office and administrative work 5.30 TO 5.45 PM: Inspecting the prasada preparation work 5.45 TO 6.30 PM: Supervising the farm, garden and building works 6.30 TO 7.00 PM: Students’ mass prayer 7.00 TO 7.15 PM: Blessing the students 7.15 TO 7.45 PM: Giving darshan to devotees in the office and doing office work

NIGHT

7.45 TO 8.00 PM: Checking the Prasada Nilaya system 8.00 TO 8.30 PM:

Office administration

8.30 TO 9.00 PM: Taking bath 9.00 TO 10.00 PM: Pooja and light food 10.00 TO 10.30 PM: Supervising play by children 10.30 TO 10.45 PM: Write his diary 11 PM: Rest

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In spite of this schedule, the Swamiji would make time to take part, as per request from the devotees, in pooja, functions, solving the problems of the villagers and giving proper solutions to them.

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MINIMALISTIC

DIET

S

WAMIJI’S meal intake was very scientific. Foods with sourness, spice or hot chilli powder, and fried items were not to his liking. He would keep them away from his pan. He would take the curry made out of green gram dal with a pinch of salt. This would be his staple diet for the rest of his meals, accompanied with coconut chutney but without chilli and salt. Sometimes he would take some rice idlis or rice rotis. He would consume half a cup of milk, and always keep away from fatty foods. But he was fond of ghee. In the afternoon, it was ragi mudde with curry made of green gram or tur dal and a glass of buttermilk. In the night, he preferred one or two rotis or uppittu without onions and chillis. He considered food as sacred prasad, and for maintaining body functions only. He never suffered from indigestion in his lifetime.

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Everybody knows Dharma or the religious principles.

But they do not follow them. They are following principles which are not religious. They cannot give them up.

This is what can be called the miracle of scientific age.

When the youth of today develop discipline, self-control, and dedication, it is possible to build an ideal state.

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SPREADING BASAVANNA’S PHILOSOPHY

S

piritual Materialism’, ‘One invisible God, one universe, single humankind’, ‘Equality thorough Kayaka , Prasada and Dasoha’, ‘Ishtalinga is the symbol of the universe, which is against all evils’, ‘Gender, class and racial discriminations are great evils’ — these were some of the main philosophies of Basavanna, which Swamiji always tried to propagate on any platform. For Swamiji, spreading Basava’s message, and safeguarding of culture was important aspects and during his lifetime, he ensured that other than developmental works, equal importance was given to cultural activities. For him, it was a medium of creating awareness, and as a result a vital tool for social transformation. He emphasised on the importance of drama, especially in the rural areas. To create awareness about rural education and literacy among women, he used to organise Gramanthra Basava Jayanti programmes during summer vacations.

Teachers and students of the mutt used to go to villages and perform dramas on Jagath Jyoti Basaveshwara as well as on other awareness creating subjects. Running through the night, Swamiji was always part of the entire show, supervising and watching the sequences with complete dedication.

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AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION

CATTLE COMPANY

D

R Sree Shivakumara Swamiji held a firm viewpoint when it came to uplifting the lives of farmers. Towards this end, he organised several events on large and small scale. One large scale event was the Cattle Fair. Famous as the Sree Siddalingeshwara Annual Cattle Fair and Car Festival, it was started by Sree Uddana Shivayogigalu in 1905. But Sree Shivakumara Swamiji developed it enormously, making it one among the largest such gatherings. This festival is held for 15 days, starting from Shivar-

LATE M V KRISHNAPPA (RIGHT), FORMER UNION MINISTER AND FOUNDER OF THE DAIRY COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN KARNATAKA, GIFTING A COW TO SRI SRI SRI SHIVAKUMARA SWAMIJI IN 1960

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athri. It is coupled with a cattle fair and numerous other ceremonies. Throughout the festival, all invitees, devotees and public are provided free food at the mutt.

This festival includes the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition which showcases the latest advancements in the agri sector.

During functions, lectures and seminars, cultural programmes like music, drama and dance performances are also arranged, and thousands of devotees of the mutt attend these programmes and participate in the Car Festival.

SREE Siddaganga Mutt has always given importance to improving the living conditions of rural people, and planned many primary programmes.

One such programme is organising the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition.

This programme is held during Shivarathri for 15 days. The Tumakuru Zilla Panchayat and state government’s cooperation in holding the exhibition is always forthcoming.

The main purpose of this exhibition is to spread knowledge among the public and rural people about scientific and technological developments in the fields of industry, agriculture, health, horticulture, forestry, sericulture, irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, women and child welfare, khadi and village industry, transportation and many other fields. Many State and Central Government undertakings, banks and private industries take part in the exhibition.

OBJECTIVES OF EXHIBITION

Audio-visual presentation for spreading industrial information and knowledge to rural people Exhibition and sale of industrial products Demonstration of crop varieties and communication of information Propagating new areas of research in agriculture Techniques of modern farming to increase yield Water Conservation & its economic use Workshops and seminars for farmers by experts in agriculture Exhibition and sale of cottage industry produce by women’s organisations Development of different government departments Use of solar energy and awareness on energy saving To save and grow forest products

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A LIFE OF WORTH

O The pontiff’s body on display for the public to pay obeisance

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy addressing the media after the pontiff’s demise

n 21st January 2019, a great soul departed, shattering millions from within. But for a person like Sree Shivakumara Swamiji, teardrops may be unseemly; having lived a life of worth by dedicating himself to the welfare of mankind. For 88 years, from the time of his initiation into the holy order, Swamiji lived honestly, successfully, and completely. In life, his was in a world of spiritual luminescence, and in closure, he moved to the divine world of radiance.

The mortal remains of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji were laid to rest as the sun set, on 22nd January. On both days, over 10 lakh followers offered their last respects, braving chilly weather during the night and scorching heat in the day.

Before the Kriya Samadhi as per the Lingayat tradition, the seer’s remains were taken in a procession inside the mutt premises in the presence of lakhs of devotees.

The final procession of the seer before his samadhi was a sombre event.

The 56-year-old successor of the seer, Sri Siddalinga Swamiji, turned emotional when Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy handed him the mortal remains of the centenarian draped in the national flag.

The procession of the mortal remains was held on the Rudrakshi Ratha, with Sri Siddalinga Swamiji leading the proceedings.

Sree Shivakumara Swamiji never wasted his time living someone else’s life. He had the courage to follow his heart and intuition.

As a result, he was a master artist who lived a beautiful life.

With benevolent acts, divine but practical thoughts, creative expressions, and ability to inspire, he carved his life into a fine, inimitable masterpiece.

Sree Shivakumara Swamiji will continue to inspire, making us realise that we have to be the artist of our lives, and not just remain an art.

Amid high security, the flow of people arriving to the mutt remained constant

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THE

S

ABLE DISCIPLE

REE Sree Siddalinga Mahaswamigalu, the President of the mutt, adorns the name of the founders of this shrine, Yediyuru Siddalingeshwara, and is an ardent disciple of late Sree Shivakumara Swamiji.

Childhood He was born on July 22, 1963 at Kanchugal Bandemath in Soluru hobli, Magadi taluk, of Bengaluru Rural district.

His parents are Sadashivaiah and Shivarudramma, both Sharanas, in work and spirit. Sree Sree Swamiji’s foster name was ‘Vishwanatha’ and he was the last child of his parents.

Education He began his primary schooling from his birth place Kanchugal Bandemath.

Observing his love for learning, he was sent to Degulamath in Kanakapura for high school education. During this period, as per the wish of Sree Sree Mahalinga Swamiji of Kanakapura, he was sent to Siddaganga Gurukula and came under the care of Sree Shivakumara Swamiji. He began learning Sanskrit and also pursued his college education. He was fully involved in the service of Sree Swamiji.

Initiation to Mutt On January 26, 1988, he entered the Virakthashrama in the true tradition of Siddaganga mutt. During the turbulent times the mutt was facing in the mid-1980s, Sree Siddaganga mutt found in him a true successor to Sree Shivakumara Swamiji. On March 31, 1988, he was initiated as Junior Swamiji.

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Dr Sree Shivakumara Swamiji’s sagacity was indubitable. Every word he spoke depicted his deep understanding of life, the maturity of thoughts, earthy experiences, and keenness in observation. A collection of such words was originally published under the title ‘Nudi Belaku’ by Sri Siddaganga Prakashana. Here are a few from the publication which were later translated to English — ORIGINAL COLLECTION IN KANNADA

BY SREE SREE SIDDALINGA SWAMIJI TRANSLATED IN ENGLISH BY T S RAMACHANDRA RAO PUBLICATION: 108 LEADING LIGHTS FROM SIDDAGANGA SREE

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HUMAN ATTITUDE

HUMAN attitude is not one-sided, but has many facets to it. It depends on the age of a person, the environment, cultural upbringing, the place, the kind of education and learning one has received. If it is one kind in the young, it is another among grown-ups. The attitude of a woman is quite different from that of a man. The attitude of the innocent is different from that of a scholar. The youth exhibits strong feelings, full of energy, whereas the experienced shows self-control and patience. The attitude of a politician is craving for position and status, whereas an official is after getting positions and promotions.

Social reformers have craze for names and awards whereas sadhus and saints are for peace and prosperity of one and all.

Mutts and monasteries think about the welfare of all, whereas the attitude of ascetics and shivayogis is for the good of the whole world.

It is not difficult to understand the attitude of a person. Some situation, a small incident, a little of his talk or language, a little of his character, his way of thinking, all or one of these is enough to know his attitude.

This point can be illustrated with an ordinary incident. On March 17, 2001, the Rural Basava Jayanthi festival was taking place at Makanahalli village of Holenarasipur taluk in Hassan district.

While driving to that place, the car had left Arakalgud and had covered

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a distance of 10 to 15 kilometres when it turned to the right. The driver came across four youths on the way and asked them about the way to Makanahalli. The young men made signs with their hands and went away unconcerned disregarding the driver’s request.

The car moved forward and covered about 4 kilometres when a small group of four middle-aged men and two women were seen at the crossroads, waiting for a bus. Our driver accosted them with the same question. They pointed towards right and asked to go along that road to reach Makanahalli. One of the women was heard addressing the driver as Anna (elder brother), telling him that he would come across Paduvalakuppe on the way, after which there was Makanahalli, and the driver drove the car likewise.

Paduvalakuppe was itself a big village. While making enquiries there, a very old man came forward with folded hands.

“Which village? Is it Makanahalli?

Do you want to go there? Basava Jayanthi festival is going on there. Are you going there?

Where do you come from? Is Swamiji also coming? I will also be going there. It is not far from here, just one-and-half kilometres. The road is also good.

You go this way sir,” he said giving details.

This was how the attitude of those who showed the way was revealed. The attitude behind the disregard shown by the youths, the nicety of the middle-aged, the kind words full of concern of the aged came to light.

SERVICE OF THE POOR THERE were two friends who were always found to be together. They took food together, slept at the same time and went together wherever they had to go.

Once, they decided to go to a famous temple. Its name had spread far and wide. They began their travel on foot, discussing sacred stories. After they walked some distance, they stopped to take rest at a place. They were tired and thirsty. So, one of them went to a neighbouring village to bring water.

The village was in the grip of a famine. Owing to weakness, the villagers were found to be suffering wherever they sat or slept, and could not get up. The friend saw the miserable scene and was pained. He felt sad. He brought water from a nearby well and gave it to a few of them instead of

drinking it himself. They got a little strength.

Before undertaking the journey, he had brought some fried rice for himself and his friend. He made it wet and gave it to the suffering people there. They were able to sit and walk. He stayed there a few days for their sake. Serving the people, he forgot that he had come to see God in the temple along with his friend. But the people were liberated from the clutches of death owing to his service and help. Good days returned.

The friend was pleased.

The other friend waited with expectation that his friend would come back with water.

At last, when his friend did not come, he continued his journey. He went towards the temple. He reached the temple feeling sad at heart that his friend did not join him and had missed God. There was a big crowd, but he felt it

was improper to go back without seeing God. Having made this decision, he went through the crowd and came in the presence of the Lord.

The Mahamangalarthi was going on.

In the light of the lamps, he saw the friend who had come along with him and who had gone to the village to bring water, standing there, with a smile on his face, by the side of the Lord!

He was surprised.

After prostrating submissively before God, he came back. While returning, he met the friend. “How did you go to God even before I went there?” he queried.

His friend replied, “I have not yet seen the Lord. While serving those sufferers in the village, I even forgot you. I forgot to go to see God also”.

It was a surprise after surprise to the friend who had questioned him.

But he learnt that service of the poor is the realisation of God.

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A TEACHER SHOULD HAVE YEARNING FOR KNOWLEDGE

SLUGGISH LIVING THE enlightened souls who taught the values of service, sacrifice and humanitarian qualities are to be always remembered. Basavanna is one of them. His way was distinct, thoughtful and customarily fresh. What Basavanna planted and grew was knowledge based on work-oriented humanism. It did not stop there, but became world culture, or Vishwadharma, which wishes the good of all living beings.

Today, science has been developing ‘worldwide and skyward’, and has been invading all things. Research is being conducted and new things are being invented. Unimaginable progress is visible.

But it is proceeding towards destruction. Knowledge, science and technology, all this should be helpful to understand ‘self realisation’. What good does the world get with the production of bombs?

Science should become a medium

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for belief in God, because the scientist will never become the creator. He can only be able to expose the hidden ‘wealth of God’.

The period of life of man is not much.

As long as he lives, he should be happy, he should give happiness and he should realise the meaning of the words of the poet — “This world is the centre of happiness, because the world is a place for meditation, for work, and for achievements. Whoever he is, he should inspire the energy in him, utilise it suitably and also make use of it for the good of others”.

Laziness is becoming one of the characteristic feature of living nowadays.

Honourable living, that is active life, is also becoming rare. On account of this, families, and society at large are experiencing gripping poverty. Leaders are after building vote banks and care only for their development. Unless these are given up, how can a bright future be expected?

SEPTEMBER 5 is Teachers’ Day. It is the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India. His was a personality still in our memory. He was a monument of light guiding the teaching fraternity. Simple living, high thinking, extraordinary power of memory and unfaltering rhetoric. He was a clean soul, the golden treasury of philosophy decorating the supreme position in the nation.

An ideal teacher who walked along and reached the place of his aim.

The history of the world got its inspiration from ascetics, religious persons, servants of God, devotees and philosophers. They were all teachers. They lived a life of the teachers of this world. Their talk was clean, heart was clean and knowledge was clean. They lived to be clean, taught about cleanliness and took the world along on the path of clean living.

There was humanism in the cleanliness they perceived. They planted, grew and distributed it. As the holy man Devara Dasimayya says, ‘those world teachers did not ask for an elephant, or wealth, or a big kingdom. They asked for a reply from the Sharanas or devotees of God, because the replies from the Sharanas are words of pure lights to guide. Also, their mind was always like a river flowing with pure holy water and without thinking of any other thing with a consideration that knowing about Shiva, the Lord was better than knowing about sensuality’.

Nowadays, many of our teachers do not have the craving for knowledge and are not been given to learning. The desire to lead a life of pleasure is not good for Indian culture. The teacher should be morally rich. He should be a master of good character and a good citizen of love and affection. He should be free from immoral habits such as gambling and drinking.

The place of an acharya or the great teacher is very pure and holy. It is the place to work and labour for, purifying life in this and in the other world. Anyone may say anything, but maintaining equilibrium, treating all equally, he should always be awake and think he is here for the sake of the entire society.

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THE LIVING GEM

THE SACRED VERSE OF BASAVANNA HUMAN bodies are units with souls.

The soul, in its everlasting journey, when in a human body, gets its importance. The value of a body is from the soul. If the soul is absent, the body does not have the value of a penny.

The body should invariably become a tool to transform the physical world into the holy, gracious world. A person has to elevate the senses bestowed on him and proceed along the thoughtful ways of the devotees like Basavanna, who, with a pure and holy feeling, utilised the powerful appearances of the physical world, such as wealth, woman and earth, to accomplish self-realisation.

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Hard work, and feeding and serving the devotees are the two everlasting hymns that the Sharanas who find refuge in Lord Shiva, have given to the world. Labour, or work, is the invaluable principle that offers and improves the progress of a person, the good fortunes of a society and the blossoming of the soul. It is the life-saving herb that purifies the body and mind.

Work is the royal road for the mind to develop concentration. Feeding of the devotees, which is Dasoha, is Shivapatha or the road to Lord Shiva which is for the improvement of society. In Dasoha, there is the welfare of the spirit, the rising of the auspicious movement of society. The devotees of Lord Shiva said “work is itself

heaven, the abode of Shiva”. Another imaginary abode, or Kailasa, was not the innermost aim. The Sharanas or those devoted souls who transformed the physical world into spiritual, are really the virtuous spirits. When Molige Marayya wished to go to Kailasa after completing his work, his better half, Mahadeviamma said, “What did you see all these years? Was it not Kailasa?

Is there a Shiva’s abode which is separated from labour? Why did such a thought occur to you? Isn’t hard work itself Kailasa?”

So exhorting, she brought importance to the world of labour and ‘the workshop of the creator’, the Earth.

Hard work and labour is the sacred hymn, Basava mantra, which makes everyone fit to live here.

ANXIETY or worry makes a person weak.

Meditation evolves the personality. A thoughtful person thinks over his right and wrong actions, and about the relationship between himself and society. The greatness of a person lies in thinking what benefit the society got from him.

Today, science has provided all kinds of things for happiness. It has brought out the intelligent side of man. But man, who has got scientific instruments and knows their use, is becoming a psychic patient and bodily weak.

He has failed to guard his gem-like physique.

The physical existence of man is an invaluable wealth. The Sharanas, or devotees, called the body of man a precious gift. They said it should not be ruined. They believed that it has been given to win over Lord Kudala Sangama. They believed and followed this dictum.

They took extra care in keeping the body, along with its senses and the mind in it, free from ugly changes and making it active with high thinking, lofty thoughts and also by leading a clean and simple life. Being always careful, they made use of their body through service and achieved its benefit, free from hideous thoughts.

Work for them was for guarding the soul and it was the strong test which became the step for the blooming of their soul. Labour became the foundation stone for good conduct. Hard work brought and preserved the happiness and fortunes of society.

The Sharanas, who, with the maxim ‘work is itself kailasa’, meditated and treated the body as the abode of Lord Shiva, adored it and made it active, exuding pure energy which could be used for the welfare of the people. This was taken to the highest position or made supreme and godly in nature. They proved that he who lives by hard work possesses good and pure thoughts. A person has to learn the art of living with the belief that Lord Shiva is found in his hard work and he has to be grateful to the Lord who has bestowed on him the gift of being born as human being, which is itself really a precious jewel. Live with the faith in the saying, “Life itself is yoga or meditation, Yoga or meditation itself is life.”

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CREATING A GOOD YOUTH FORCE THE present is different from the past.

Change is true and natural. The way of living 40 or 50 years ago, is not the same today. Forgetfulness has increased. Knowledge is far away. Isn’t it true that unless the past steps are known, today’s can’t be learnt? The horizon of knowledge is expanding by the day. It has opened the doors of scientific wonders. Man is progressing with his achievements in what is considered impossible. He has been working in different areas. Being proud of his position, he is going fast. But the future is fearful because of his behav-

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iour with the least regard for his special position.

Today, universities and colleges have been established in places where once there were gurukulas. They are growing with limitless branches. Like a huge giant, they are entangling the youth with a knowledge in the areas of technology, medicine and electronics, creating in them an illusion that nothing more is required. They are being taught to consider that man is also becoming a machine. But man is not merely a machine. He has a heart, a mind and a soul, a fact which has been forgotten.

The youth has to grow with divine thoughts. It is necessary that girls

should become educated and grow up to be responsible young women with good character and conduct and work for the development of national honour.

Universities and colleges should become work spots for planting and growing human qualities. Professors with good character should be enrolled. They should be known for self study or should have cultivated studious habits and be clever enough to explain more things. They have to be intelligent enough to realise the important position they hold.

The real asset of any university is the creation of the best generation of youth.

A THING OF RARITY IN this world, God has given a rare thing — the origin of man. Whether it is a town, a village, a city or a forest, whichever the place, it is invaluable and infinite. There are innumerable living beings in nature. They have not known changes from the day of their origin to the present age of the computer. There may be marginal changes here and there physically. It is true that this physical change has become a matter for study and research to the natural scientists. But no change has appeared basically in the attitude of their mind.

But that is not the case with human beings. Man has been undergoing change according to the situation and time. From the earliest level of origin, where he was an aboriginal being, to the age of development of computers, evolution has taken place in his ability to think. He has been developing all kinds of facilities to live a happy and luxurious life. Every day, he tries to bring changes. He has been changing his lifestyle also.

But this change is not happening in the way it should have. He has been putting an inhuman effort with an ulterior motive of selfishness. He is not glancing at the views of great men. The elders have deeply thought of their existence. Man is not only the physical existence. His is a form of the combination of both the soul and body. This form is the gem of a thing. With more efforts, the gem of knowledge should be made to shine and spread its brilliance around. For this, collections of fundamentals about good conduct, customs, principles of living and religious doctrines have been formed.

For the soul, which has been stepping towards eternity since thousands of years, these collections are the guiding lights. The soul may be termed in the words Nainam Chindanthi Shastrani, Nainam Dahathi Pavakaha (The soul which is immortal, can change the body, but it will never die).

It is like the ambrosia. It does not appear to the external eyes. It is realised through experience. The ultimate aim is eternal happiness.

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THE DURATION OF LIFE

THE ART OF LIVING LIVING is an art, just as music, literature, etc. For achievement in art, it is important that one must be industrious. If a musician, who has practised music ritualistically and learnt that art, sings, the listeners are pleased with the melody.

On the other hand, if a person who has not practised that art sings, it is nothing but the braying of an ass. Likewise, if a person who has no inkling of literature produces a work, he will ridiculed.

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In the same way, one who does not know the art of living is ridiculed. But the art of living cannot be learnt in a day, a month, or a year.

The effort to achieve it should be continued throughout life.

According to philosophers “No man possesses 100% bad qualities”.

He has both the good and bad qualities in him. When he is able to get his bad qualities reduced and the good in him increased, he will become an ideal

person. As his good qualities increase further, he will be revered in the world.

For this, his efforts should be continuous.

He has to correct himself while walking or talking as well as in his transactions. It should be done from childhood or from his early days.

His efforts, made systematically, in this way develops into an energy known as will power.

When a person has developed this will power, he becomes a world-honoured individual.

IT is common to calculate the life span of man in the eyes of ordinary people, from the day of his birth to the day of his death. But how wise men calculate it is quite different. In their view, the period wasted while asleep as well as in quarrels and in bad habits should not be taken into account.

A king was coming along with his servants. On the way, he saw an old man who was engaged in doing some work. The king went to him and asked, “Old one! How old are you?”

The old man replied seriously, “Your highness, now I am only four years old”.

The king was amazed on hearing his reply.

He again asked, “Old one! If we look at the limbs and your body which have lost their strength and have become loose, it appears that your age is at least 70-80 years. But you are saying that you are only four years old?”

The old man replied, “Your highness, I am telling you the truth. I am four years old. It is like this. In the duration of life allotted to me, I spent about ten or more years sleeping. Many more years were wasted in my quarrels with others. Some more years were spent in satisfying my bad habits. The knowledge that I am a human being occurred to me just four years ago. I have been meditating deeply since that day. So, this period of four years only has been spent in a better way. Therefore, my age is only four years”.

Therefore, the period spent usefully is really the duration of the life of a person.

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PERSONAL RELIGION For the all-round development of a student, his physical, mental, emotional, bodily and moral strength should be developed. Similarly, a country becomes prosperous if the path of progress is kept open to every individual irrespective of the rich and poor, strong and weak, high and low, good and bad. For providing such an opportunity to all equally, the propounders of religions and sects, and Mahatmas, or men with integrated personality, have been taking birth. The paths shown by these great persons appear to be individualistic, each different from the other. This difference is only facial and an appearance. But their target is one and the same.

Today, the dearth of ardent devotees of any great Dharma or religion who possess and who can profess their experience of that Dharma and its tenets for the vast populace for its benefit, is noticeable. The number of such persons is very limited. If we possess individually, a deep understanding and experience of our Dharma, then it will be easy for us to understand the nature of other Dharmas and their decisive aims.

The disinterest and low opinion we show for our Dharma is the principal reason for the religious hatred that is found in society. It means an understanding of one’s own religion is the divine panacea.

Without the full knowledge and proper understanding of our own Dharma or religion, we have lost our energy and brightness and are like a bunch of electric bulbs without electricity.

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PEACEFUL STATE Human race everywhere in the world desires peace. Peace or tranquillity in not a thing to get easily. It can be acquired by faithful following of the religious principles. By simply shouting for peace, it cannot be derived without the foundation of Dharma or religion. It is a special condition coming out of the mind. It is necessary to drive out one’s ego and make the mind feel calm and quiet, at the same time spreading warmth and affection everywhere. One can experience the result of it then, as well as make others also experience it. There is a good saying

which runs Athmanah Prathikoolani Paresha Na Samachareth, which means: whatever is hostile according to your consideration, do not make use of it in the case of others. If you expect others to love you, you also love others likewise.

Critiques of India do not end here.

They exhort one to look for oneself in all living beings. Today, India is required to contribute something from its spiritual wealth to the world which has lost its peace. The civilisation in India is existing on spiritual basis. So, the responsibility of India, the native

place for spiritual wealth, is noteworthy when world peace is considered. India has understood that the relationship between Dharma or religion and politics is close knit and she has followed it from a long time.

Kings and emperors had honoured the ascetics who had resigned everything and built kingdoms and empires with their guidance and assistance.

The important part played by the ascetics behind the establishment of the Maurya kingdom, the Vijayanagara empire and the kingdom of Marathas should be understood. They were all great men who brought revolution and established peace.

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SACRIFICE

WISE PEOPLE Today, our country is facing countless problems in many areas. Problems such as poverty, unemployment, scarcity of food, political confusion, illiteracy, social inequality, economic crisis, decline in production, etc., have to be solved as early as possible. The ability to pay attention to these problems and to find suitable ways to solve them lies with the wise people.

It is possible to get lofty ideas from eminent persons through proper methods and suitable ways. It is a responsibil-

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ity of knowledgeable people to lead this democratic country along the proper way.

As S. Radhakrishnan, the philosopher, has said, “Democracy is not ‘free for-all’ rule of a crowd. It is not under the control of people or even obedient to the whims and fancies of dictators. It is an achievement of knowledgeable, considerate, excellent and ideal persons, under whose able leadership, progress of the populace is possible. The most important criteria of democratic norms are development of mutual understanding, more

co-operation, debate and taking decisions on the basis of agreements.”

The leadership in democracy should be truthful, perfect, sensitive to reality, possessing an attitude of service, being kind to the poor and the downtrodden and they should devote themselves to truthful ideals.

More than these, they should have humanitarian qualities in their behaviour.

It is the prime duty of the educated class to offer the administration of the best and wise people having these qualities, to the country.

If society is not clean, it is difficult to preserve the constructive force which is necessary for the national reconstruction work.

Just as sowing of the seeds in a fallow land in the absence of rain is waste, even the best constructive force is wasted when society is not clean.

The country is looking at the community of youth for its prosperity. The youth of today should be grateful and react suitably.

When there is a danger to the country or dharma, all should become alert and perform their duties properly.

Famine and misery occur in the world when immoral acts and lawlessness increase among people. They are subjected to poverty, difficulties and such obstacles. In order to be free from this kind of punishment, the only way is to pray and meditate.

When many are experiencing difficulties, it is the duty of the rich to come forward with self-inspiration and serve the poor and needy. Sacrifice and service means not that they should give everything they possess to others. The best kind of service is to give to those who are in need, whatever is remaining after their own need is satisfied.

The prime duty is self sacrifice. Next, it leads to further sacrifice. The foremost thing today among the most important requirements is that before the minds of those ordinary, unfortunate people are crippled from their miserable condition, which gives way to untold miseries, those who are well-to-do, should offer them whatever they can, and all should learn to live together, because behind every morsel of food one takes, there lies a ocean of hard labour and energy of thousands of people.

When man understands this, it is possible for him to become a real human being.

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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

THE VALUES OF INDEPENDENCE Many years have lapsed since India got her freedom. What is the use of this independence earned with difficulty? If this question is to be understood, the lifestyle that existed during the pre-independence days should be understood properly. With regard to the value of independence, a thoughtful Englishman opined, “It is a poor nation where there is wealth and facilities, but no freedom.

On the other hand, it is a rich nation, which has freedom though there is no

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wealth, but poverty”.

Every animal and every bird wishes to remain free. Here is an incident: The elder Maharaja of Mysore once caught and tied elephants in the forests of Kakanakote. A tusker was among them.

He refused to take food because he thought that he had lost his freedom.

Since he began to fast, he became weak day by day. The Maharaja came there and on seeing the pachyderm, he gave orders to feed him with whatever food he liked. Even then, he did not take any food but continued his fast. In this condition,

he spent ten days and died on the eleventh day. On seeing it, tears rolled down the Maharaja’s eyes.

Then he uttered these words, “Oh! King of the elephants, you have realised the value of freedom better than man. How strange! Man, who is wiser than animals, has not understood the value of freedom”.

Every person of this country has to develop love for his country if he wants to realise the value of freedom. It is possible only when he develops a good personality. It will also become the best asset given by man to his country.

It is the family of a person where he lives that influences his life in an important manner. After this social institution, the most influential institution that appears before us is the centre for education where the person is learning. That person develops a special relationship between himself and that educational institution. The thought that it was his institution and he belonged to it develops practically and it is deep-rooted. It will be wrong to think that this kind of pure thought and special relationship will exist only as long as that person is in that institution. Even after leaving that institution, the thought and good relationship continues uninterrupted.

Just as a person carries his food along while on a journey, this man carries whatever he has learnt and makes use of it throughout his life. He shapes his future depending upon it. Step by step, again and again, the knowledge he has obtained there is remembered. It removes all obstacles that he comes across. He is grateful to the institution for it.

This gratefulness is real and without conceit and it is what any educational institution expects from its old students.

They who have come out of it, if after shaping their personality fully, without becoming parasites or dependent on others, always keeping in mind the sacred line, ‘Work is worship’, do their duty with interest and devotion, then the mother institution feels elated and heaves a sigh of relief. Then it begins to have a strong wish to serve usefully further and to produce living lights more and more.

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGION

ETERNAL HAPPINESS The temperament of man is a desire to be happy. Happiness is of two kinds, that which is temporary and that which is permanent. Temporary happiness is short-lived and is dangerous. It incites man in different ways. It forces him to engage in activities such as theft, murder, robbery, cheating, dacoity, etc. He who does not want to exert and tire his body and mind, uses them in bad ways.

The working of his mind is deprived of his good deeds and performance. He becomes a victim of bad habits and

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loses his personality. Suppose he gets some benefits from his evil behaviour, it is only temporary, but the end result is unholy. He cannot survive without experiencing the result of his past deeds.

There is a good saying: Avashyam Anubhokthavyam Karma Shubh Karma, which means ‘that which one derives from work should invariably be experienced’. This is what is meant by Madiddunno Maharaja in Kannada, which otherwise means ‘you eat what you have earned’. He who eats salt, has to drink water. For the sensual craving of such a

person, those who are near to him may also have to undergo some kind of suffering. It is implicit and there is no other way.

The other alternative is eternal happiness which is a search for the bliss form.

It is the realisation of the Almighty God. It is not as easy as said to be.

Only those who have a taste of the blissful knowledge can proceed along that way and it is not easy for all. The blessings of the holy teacher or the Guru is required, continuous effort should be there, and then only there will be eternal happiness.

Human being is the beat creation in the entire animal world. He has the ability of self-evaluation which has made him noble among all living beings. There are three issues before every human being. Where did I come from? Where am I now? Where will I go in the future?

All Vedas, Tanthras, the ancient legends and histories have tried to explain and answer them. It means, the points contained therein are the attempts made to answer the questions satisfactorily. A man should read and understand the concerned scriptures, realise the values of his life, follow them scrupulously and make his life useful.

We have this body as a gracious gift from God. It exists in this beautiful world by His grace. In the end, it will unite with Him. The Universe itself is graciously gifted to us and it is merely an appearance. It is His play.

Everything here is a result of it. When He thinks it is enough, everything merges in Him. All that is in the universe is there in the minute embryonic stage.

The energetic soul is the principle of God which is indestructible and it is omnipresent pervading the outer sphere also. If the supreme principle pervading the universe is called God, the Almighty, the soul inside the physical form, ‘the body’, is called the spirit.

Only man is aware of the principle philosophy of the soul. The noteworthy point about Dharma or religion is that man has to possess faith in what the mahatmas or the holy men say and after understanding the secret of the principle of his soul and its Universal significance, which is really a gift given by God, he should live joyfully till the day he attains salvation.

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THE EVOLUTION OF MAN Swami Vivekananda once said, “Let your aspiration be high”. His wish was that thoughts born and developed in mind have to be high. As it is known: Manavana Manushyanam karanam Bandhamokshyo — Mind is responsible for his achievement in this and the other world. The thoughts that sprout and develop are responsible for it.

Thoughts depend on the situation in which a man has been brought up, the company in which he spends his time, and the food and drink he takes.

As the saying goes, Yadbhavam Thadbhavathi — actions follow the thought. They reflect a man’s person-

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ality. Whether he is an individual, or the head of a family, or the president of a company or society or the highest citizen of a country, he should not be negligent of this fact, but be vigilant. The effect of a man’s inferiority and the low level thought born out of it and the results of his basic instincts are not limited to an individual only; they make the entire surroundings deceitful.

It is a virus that spreads and attacks the entire society and nation.

This kind of satanic feeling that destroys everyone’s peace is not a feeling natural to man. So, it is impossible to get peace and happiness creating a bad atmosphere without

understanding the truth that one’s survival depends on the survival of others also.

Born as a man, one should live like a man, not like an animal. Each of his thoughts should be for the welfare of man. Whatever he may become, first his thoughts should be to live like a human being. So, good culture and a suitable atmosphere have to be made available. Proper guidance of the cultured persons is necessary for the development of a personality. The company of good and knowledgeable people is also needed to spread high ideals and thoughts. Only then can peace and prosperity be expected.

DHARMA OR RELIGION They who are well versed in custom and rituals have said that man has to follow four classes of values to make his life worthy.

These values are Dharma or religion; Artha or wealth; kama or indulgence; and Moksha or salvation. Dharma is said to be the first among them because through it wealth and wishes have to be gratified and utilised without going against the principles of Dharma or religion. Only then the next one or the last among the four values of life i.e., moksha or salvation is secured. It is the supreme or the best achievement of a man, and also his final aim.

To get salvation, one should be a true follower of religious doctrines. Religion or dharma means Ishta prapthihi Anishta Nivruthihi Dharmaha. In other words, Dharma means getting rid of that which is considered bad, and earning what is good. Another scholar says: Yathyobhu nihshreyasi sidhihi sadharmaha — the ritualists feel Dharma or religion is that which brings progress in this world and exultation of salvation in the other.

According to the great sage Manu, courage, forgiveness, self-control, refraining from stealing, cleanliness, control of sensual desires, wisdom, knowledge, truth and control of anger — these are the ten divine mandates of Dharma or religion. In this way, explanations in many ways have been given to Dharma. To sum up, it is certain that dharma is there to make the human life the best and a useful one.

This kind of following Dharmic rituals should become part and parcel of our everyday lifestyle. Wealth should be earned according to Dharma. Earnings got by wrong methods and not according to Dharma lead to destruction. Pure indulgence, free from sensuality, is the real Kama. In this way, Dharma, Artha and Kama have to help us to attain Moksha or salvation later. If these three do not lead to salvation, they are not real values of life. The birth of a man becomes useless without any achievement.

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The desire to be rich has spread from an individual to the entire nation. The true meaning of wealth is not understood. Leading a principled and cultured life is the true wealth. ‘Shivanubhava’ means God’s realisation or the direct spiritual knowledge. It is the education which gives realisation. Today, such a kind of spiritual understanding has to be filled in the minds of people.

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97

A

INSPIRED LIVING

ardent follower of Dr. Sree Shivakumara Swamiji, Dr. M B Patil grew steadily from grass-roots to adorn one of the prestigious posts in the State Cabinet. After becoming a minister, he was recognised for his organising and formative abilities and his selfless service to the society. n Following the path shown by Sree Shivakumara Swamiji, he ushered in a new era in the 1990s as he took over the reins of BLDEA, a premier educational association in North Karnataka.

Sri Shivakumara Swamiji had much affection for the BLDE Association established by Raobahaddur Pha. Gu. Halakatti, also known as Vachana Pithamaha, acclaimed for collecting and publishing the scattered literature of Basavanna and other sharanas.

“If not for Halakatti, we would not be privy to the invaluable literary gems composed by Basavanna and sharanas of 12th century AD. Halakatti personally visited numerous

households to procure the rare manuscripts that were being worshipped, compiled them and went on to publish them.

This move popularised Sharana literature among public.

Thus, Halakatti garnered Swamiji’s goodwill, which led to the seer inaugurating a memorial and a research centre in the litterateur’s name. Swamiji was 96 years old then but travelled by road all the way to Vijayapura and stayed there for the event. Whenever I visited Siddaganga mutt, he would always enquire about the institute, saying that Vijayapura is the land of Basavanna and Halakatti’s workplace,” said Dr Patil.

“We had dreamt and sought his blessings on the eve of publication of works of Dr. Halakatti and present him a sculpture of Basavanna and his publications, which became true in 2013 when we presented the same in the presence of thousands of students during the evening mass prayer,” Dr Patil recollected.

PHA.GU. HALAKATTI FOUNDATION

THE

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Dr. Phakirappa Gurubasappa Halakatti, known as the ‘Vachana Pitamaha’, with other philanthropists of Bijapur founded a co-operative bank and BLDEA, with a primary objective of propagation of education. Thus, the Bijapur Lingayat Development Education Association (BLDEA) came into existence on 23rd October 1910. The Association made a humble beginning by accepting to run a High School, handed over by a German missionary, who was returning to Germany because of World War-I. Thus, the journey of imparting education commenced. Today, Pha.Gu. Halakatti Foundation, within the campus of the University, spreads the Basava philosophy and undertakes many social activities.

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GRATITUDE

D

M B Patil’s closeness to the Swamiji was such that he always considered his inspiration as the greatest gift. He believed that Swamiji opened his life to many new possibilities. Each day became more meaningful and life enhanced as r. every action was guided by his inspiration.

Dr. M B Patil’s gratitude was always around Swamiji.

When he was the Irrigation Minister, Dr. Patil visited the mutt and heard from the district administration that the mutt was facing severe water shortage, especially during peak summer. He wasted no time in finding a solution and established a permanent water project which provided continuous water supply to the mutt.

Recollecting Swamiji’s last days, he said, “It was exactly one month after I assumed the office of Home Ministry that I learnt of Swamiji being in critical condition. I rushed to the mutt and was fortunate to be present at the time his holy soul departed.”

During the period, his responsibility as Home Minister of the state was a challenging one. But he effectively managed the crowd of over ten lakh devotees thronging to have the last glimpses of the departed soul of the seer. Under his guidance, the entire ceremony was conducted efficiently by all senior officials of the Home Department and police officials.

“People displayed discipline and peaceful demeanour during the solemn but sorrowful event in keeping with the legacy of the mutt and true tradition of Basava heritage. Swamiji may not be physically with us but his divine presence will continue to inspire continuously,” said Dr. Patil.

Dr. M B Patil seeking blessing at the Sree Siddalingeshwara shrine

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Swamiji along with Sree Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur mutt (second from left), M V Rajasekhara, former minister, GoI (extreme left), V S Malimath, former chief justice (third from right), and M P Prakash, former minister (second from right), on the occasion of releasing a book authored by Dr. C Somasekhara (extreme right), titled ‘Social Thoughts in Vachanas’. The thesis was awarded D.Litt from Hampi Kannada University

Swamiji blessed Dr. C Somasekhara during his college days in 1974 at Jayadeva Hostel, Bengaluru

BONDING WITH

GREATNESS

P

One should have belief in God, should follow the path of good principles, should be good and adore humanitarian qualities, and discover selfrealisation in the welfare of society

102

oojya Swamiji always believed in spreading education, feeding the starved and providing shelter to the needy. He was rightly designated as Three Vidha Dasohi. He was an ardent admirer of the preachings and philosophy of Basaveswara and his contemporary sharanas.

During my tenure as DC Tumakuru district , I had the divine pleasure of seeking his advice on various issues of district administration. He used to share the style of administration of veteran administrators like Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Mirza Ismail, Sir M. Vishweshvarayya and others.

He always advised that administration should be humane and people-friendly.

The acute drought in Karnataka in 1966 posed a great challenge for his Anna Dasoha to thousands of children of the mutt. When several senior disci-

ples advised Swamiji to put the dasoha on hold for some time, he was furious and replied, “The mutt will never stop dasoha. The suggestion is unbecoming of the dasoha principles of sharanas. Lord Siddalingeshwara will help and guide me. If you cannot help, you can quit.” Whenever I used to call on him for his darshana, he used to enquire about the developmental works, the crop and rain situation and welfare of the farmers. At no point of time was he concerned with the demands and requirements of the mutt. Poojya Sri Shivakumara Mahaprabhu was very affectionately called as Walking God, Abhinava Basavanna, and Kayakayogi. With his demise, the second chapter of Basavayuga has come to an end.

- DR C SOMASEKHARA, IAS (RETD.) FORMER SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF ARNATAKA

Swamiji honouring Dr. C Somasekhara and his wife, Sarvamangala

THE

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Swamiji and G.S Somanna with Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru (Left)

LIKE A

TOWER,

FOR ALL

Somanna and S Nagaraju (Left), an industrialist, with Swamiji

A SAINT

BEYOND

D

BORDERS

significance.

Normally, Gods and idols installed in the sanctuary of a temple (sanctum sanctorum) restrict the visitors or pilgrims to view on the basis of caste, creed or gender. But the tower of any temple is visible to one and all without any restriction. Similarly, many pontiffs of various mutts follow the culture and tradition of the Sanctum Sanctorum, whereas Sree Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, established a different culture and tradition, being like a tower of a temple himself, giving divine darshan to one and all, thus establishing a different role to the mutts, pontiffs and temples.

The one who is aware, he becomes a sharana, the one who forgets, a mere human being, according to a popular maxim from Veerashaiva philosophy. I would like to pay obeisance to Dr Sree Shivakumara Swamiji who grasped the true meaning of Sri Basavanna’s enlightening words and was instrumental in conveying them across the world. Swamiji was equally revered by commoners as well as dignitaries. Any work taken up under his good name materialised without any hurdle. His persistent work across numerous decades to uplift the society shall be our guiding light.

G. S. Somanna

104

r Sree Shivakumara Swamiji’s ever smiling face on the cover page of books with the backdrop of the tower of the Sree Siddalingeshwara Temple on the hillock at the Siddaganga Mutt has a great symbolic

Somanna and his wife with the Swamiji

- G S SOMANNA

THE

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FRAMES OF HOLINESS

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107

SAFFRON RENDEZVOUS

Sri Shivamurthy Shivacharya Muragha Sharanaru at Siddaganga Mutt

Swamiji with Swastishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami of Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt

Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swami of Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt presents Sarvabhowma award to Sree Shivakumara Swami

Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri Mutt with the Swamiji

108

Sri Niranjananadapuri Swami of Kaginele Kanaka Gurupeetha, Sri Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami of Panchamasali Peetha and other seers with the Swamiji

Sri Veera Someshwara Shivacharya Swami of Rambhapuri Peetha meeting Sree Shivakumara Swamiji

109

BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani seeking the blessings of the seer

The scion of Mysore royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar calling upon Sree Shivakumara Swami

Former President of India, late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam with Sree Shivakumara Swamiji

Dr Sree Shivakumara Swamiji being felicitated by Sonia Gandhi during the 105th Guruvandana Mahotsava programme

BLESSING Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy with Sree Shivakumara Swamiji

110

BLISS

Social activist Anna Hazare visiting the Swamiji

Shivarajkumar and wife Geetha seek the blessings of Swamiji

111

Swamiji used to travel in this Dodge Coronet during the 1950s. The car was donated by a devotee.

PIC BY PANDARINATH B

Swamiji blessing the students on the occasion of Mahashivaratri at Siddaganaga Mutt

SIDDAGANGA

MELANGE Swamiji inspecting the arrangements made for feeding pilgrims and visitors at the mutt

112

Swamiji casting his vote at a polling booth in Tumakuru for ZP and TP elections in 2010

The horse-drawn carriage in which Swamiji travelled to seek alms Swamiji with AS Kiran Kumar, then Chairman of Space Commission, Dr. K Siddappa, Chairman, Governing Council, SIT and others during the 6th graduation ceremony of Siddaganga Institute of Technology

Children perform Yoga to mark the 2nd International Day of Yoga organised by Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru in 2016

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114 115

MONOCHROME MEMORIES

If light has to be seen in life, it is possible only to live in peace, from a carefully earned life of tranquillity and contentment. There is no pleasure like happiness, no austerity like peace, and no wealth like knowledge. The true value of a thing is realised when it is earned with hard labour. If it is achieved easily, the greatness of its quality is not understood.

Likewise, devotion also requires more efforts.

116

THE DEVOUT

A VISION TO UPLIFT

T

THE VISIONARY

umkur Merchants Credit

state. “We are following the path shown

TMCC reached Rs 14,000 crore of turno-

lems. We are expecting Rs 17,000 – 18,000

Cooperative Limited

by the Mahatma,” he says.

ver last year and the NPA was zero. The

crore of turnover and we are looking at

(TMCC) was started in

Registered under the Multi-State Co-op

net profit was Rs 18 crore and sharehold-

a net profit for Rs 19-20 crore,” says Dr.

For Nama Srirangasetty Jayakumar, more commonly

2006-07. Helmed by Dr. N S

Society’s Act, New Delhi, providing

ers are nearly 50000.

Jayakumar. TMCC presently has 12

known as Dr. N. S. Jayakumar, a resident of Tumakuru, providing monetary solace to the needy was always a desire.

Jayakumar, the Founder

banking business, Dr. Jayakumar be-

“As a cooperative sector, we have to move

branches in Karnataka and is shortly

President, the vision of his cooperative

lieves that there is more support re-

ahead of traditional thinking to ad-

planning a few more in Bengaluru. “We

So, after joining his father Nama Srirangasetty as a gold

society has been to elevate lives of the

quired from the government to the sec-

vanced movements. Management sys-

would like to extend our services to Tel-

merchant, and later entering the stone crushing business as an

common man and address the social is-

tor if the services have to reach the

tems are also transforming into modern

angana, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh,

industrialist, and gaining extensive experience of over three

sues of Tumakuru and other parts of the

masses.

thinking and ensuring to solve all prob-

and Puducherry,” he said.

decades, he decided to fulfill his dream of helping people who were in need of financial support. In 1994, he started his foray in the co-operative sector, and in 2006 he established ‘Tumkur

EARLY LIFE, STUDY & FAMILY

Dr. N.S. Jayakumar was born on 26th April 1954 in Tumakuru District, Karnataka. His father, N.S. Narayana Setty was a jewellery businessman. He entered St. Mary’s School, and graduated in Bachelor of Arts from Siddaganga College, Tumakuru. Before his marriage, he worked with his father as a Jewellery merchant. At the age of 26, he got married to N.S. Sumithra in the year 1980. His wife N.S. Sumithra is a homemaker. He has two children, a daughter and a son. His daughter Smitha N.J., a BE in computer science, earlier worked in London, and his son, Srinivas N.J. is a software engineer who pursued his M.S in Computer Science at Boston in USA. He is the Founder and CEO of Payjo Pvt Ltd, a multinational corporation providing business consultancy as well as technology and outsourcing services.

Merchants Credit Co-operative Society’. TMCC Ltd. was registered as Multi State Co-op Society with RCS New Delhi (Karnataka & Maharashtra state ) providing banking business.

Jayakumar is a recipient of many national and international awards for rendering services in the field of banking and socio-economic development across the country. He was awarded “Mahatma Gandhi Sanman” with a gold medal at Parliament House of Commons in London, UK.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D A MOHAN

M S SHIVASHANKAR

C V SURESH

J V ARUN KUMAR

M S NAGARAJU GUPTHA, Director

K H JAYARAM

S R ANANTHA RAMASETTY

C A PRASAD

K S GANGADHARA SETTY

RAMARATHNA

Director

T A SRIKARA

Vice President

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

DR UMASHANKAR

Director

N B GEETHA

Director

TMCC BRANCHES

DYNAMIC PERSONA

Dr. N.S. Jayakumar was appointed as a Director for the Community Bank in 1994, and served as

Vice-President in the year 1996. He was promoted as President of the Community Bank and remained at the position from 1997 to 2005. During his regime as President of the Community Bank, he introduced many new schemes and hi-tech services in the co-operative banking sector, many of which were a first in the Urban Co-operative Bank Sector in Karnataka state. As President of the Community Bank, he planned to develop the grand administrative building with all latest facilities, new technology, engineering design and outsourcing services. He stepped out of the community bank and established his own credit society, Tumkur Merchants Credit Co-operative Society (TMCC) in the year 2006. To fulfill the customer’s demand, he opened 12 branches at the doorsteps of the customers. He opened six branches in Tumakuru, five in Bengaluru, one in Mysuru. He introduced several banking products in the organisation to easily understand the shareholder as well as customers.

The Society is now supporting small businesses and education of poor people. He has aggressively taken up social responsibility like blind, deaf and dumb school, toilet facilities for schools, scholarship for students and more.

THE INFLUENCE

Dr. N. S. Jayakumar has served many organisations and left a deep influence wherever he worked and showed the way forward.

DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF URBAN CO-OPERATIVE BANKS AND CREDIT SOCIETIES LIMITED (NAFCUB), NEW DELHI (2005 - 2014) MEMBER OF THE TAFCUB OF UTTARAKHAND STATE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE SEMINAR IN AUSTRALIA DIRECTOR OF THE TUMAKURU DISTRICT LORRY OWNERS SOUHARDA CONSUMER CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED PRESIDENT OF SRI VASAVI SANGHA, S.S.PURAM, TUMAKURU DIRECTOR, SOUHARDA INTEGRATED FINANCIAL SERVICES (SIFIN), BENGALURU DIRECTOR, KARNATAKA STATE SOUHARDA OKKUTA, BENGALURU PRESIDENT, KARNATAKA STATE AYRA-VYSYA CO-OPERATIVE BANK AND SOCIETIES,( H.O. BENGALURU)

RECOGNITION

THE BENEVOLENT

THE BEST CHAIRMAN AWARD

Dr. N S Jayakumar has ensured that while his Society does what it does to meet all set objectives, there are other activities too which gets his ample focus. Social responsibility is one area which is close to his heart and he has initiated several practical solutions which will help the needy.

in the National Level from Banking Frontiers, FCBA 2016, on September 18th at New Delhi

ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL AWARD

on the occasion of International Seminar on Promoting Achievements that Benefits Economic & Social Development on 10 the February, 2017 at Bangkok (Thailand)

RASHTRIYA VIKAS SHIROMANI AWARD

for his outstanding achievements in chosen field of activity on the occasion of National Seminar on Globalisation of Economic & Social Development on 9th June 2017 @ Dehradun (Uttarakhand).

SHRESTA SAHAKARI AWARD

by Karnataka state Sahakari Maha Mandala Ltd, Bangalore [20th Nov 2014 at Belagavi]

Initiating the construction of a toilet in a government school

Providing relief fund for Uttarakhand following flood, cloud burst and heavy rains

INDIRA GANDHI SADBHAVANA GOLD MEDAL AWARD

by International Business Council, [18th Dec 2015 at New Delhi]

Rewarding economically poor students with merit The Blind School

Providing micro finance support

INTERNATIONAL GOLD STAR AWARD

for his Achievements in Socio-Economic Development on the Occasion of International Presentation Ceremony

by Global Achievers Foundation on 24th July 2017 at Mauritius

AWARD FOR BEST DATA CENTER UPGRADATION

Providing relief materials to flood victims of Kodagu & Kerala

DOCTORATE

in Professional Entrepreneurship majoring in Banking Management by European Continental University UNIVERSITY incorporated in State of DELAWARE , USA on 24th April 2016 at JW Marriott Hotel, Deria, Dubai

presented by Banking Frontiers on Co-operative Banking Award (FCBA) at Jaipur on 8th Sep, 2017

ARCH OF INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

with Gold Medal for his Excellence Achievements and Remarkable Role in Chosen Field of Activity on Occasion of International Summit by International Business Council on 18th August 2017 at Bangkok

RECOGNITION RISING AND TALENTED PERSONALITIES AWARD

INTERNATIONAL PLATINUM AWARD

chosen during the International Seminar from Indo-Nepal Economic Growth & Social Development, Kathmandu

of International Summit on 9th February, 2018 at Silom. Presented by Koren Debbaransi, Deputy Prime Minister, Thailand.

INDO-GULF INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS

on the occasion of International Seminar of International Integration & World Peace. He was awarded for outstanding achievements in the field of Co-operative Banking and Finance held on 24th November 2018 at Dubai

PRIDE OF ASIA EXCELLENCE AWARD

on occasion of National Seminar on Individual Contribution for National & Social Development on 10th January 2018 at Panjim

PH.D. PHILOSOPHY DOCTOR IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NELSON MANDELA WORLD PEACE AWARD

by Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon, at Paris during Convocation ceremony held on 7th September 2018.

was presented by Indian Organisation for Commerce and Industry.

He was honoured with a Certificate of Excellence at New Delhi

MAHATMA GANDHI SAMMAN

with a Gold Medal at Parliament House of Commons, London, U.K. held on 25th October 2018. He was honoured for his dedicated service to worthy causes VASAVI EXCELLENCE

awarded for his achievements in the field of Sahakara Societies Services, held on 16th November 2018 at Bengaluru by Karnataka Arya Vysya Mahasabha, Suvarna News and Kannada Prabha

ICON OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AWARD

by Association for Rising and Talented Personalities. He was recognised for his achievements in the field of Co-Operative Banking and Finance on the occasion of International Seminar held on 24th November 2018 at Dubai