The Hindu : Railways to link pilgrim centres

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Railways to link pilgrim centres

By Our Staff Correspondent

The Union Minister of State for Railways, Bandaru Dattatreya (Centre), inaugurating the Kanakadasa Jayanti Mahotsava at Udupi on Tuesday.

UDIPI MAY 27. The Railways would soon connect all centres of pilgrimage in the country, according to the Union Minister of State for Railways, Bandaru Dattatreya.

Speaking after inaugurating the Kanakadasa Jayanti Mahotsava here today, Mr. Dattatreya said through the pilgrimage circuit, the Railways would bring about unification of the country in its true sense. It would also link tourist centres such as Mysore and Kodaikanal. The Union Human Resource Development Ministry was considering a proposal to start a Kanakadasa Foundation in New Delhi. He would take up the issue with Murli Manohar Joshi and urge him to expedite it.

Stating that the message of Kanakadasa was relevant even in the present day, he said untouchability and casteism were on the rise in the country. Born in 16th century, when untouchability was widespread, Kanakadasa was a revolutionary. He showed that it was only devotion to God that mattered over everything else. Answering Kanakadasa's prayers, Lord Krishna gave him "darshan'' at Udipi. This showed that God recognised only devotion and not religion and caste. Kanakadasa's works should be printed in all Indian languages and made available all over the country.

Stressing that Indian culture should be encouraged, Mr. Dattatreya said it was only when people were truly devoted to God that they could utilise their mental strength, which was important to attain progress.

Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Math said that Lord Krishna had given the message that he would bless his devotees regardless of his/her caste.

God was not impressed by either the wealth or caste of a person. Lord Rama had made it a point to visit his devotee, Shabari. So too Lord Krishna had revealed himself for the sake of his devotee, Kanakadasa.

Kanakadasa's message should be propagated throughout the world.

Presiding over the function, Sri Ishwaranandapuri Swami of Hosadurga Shaka Math, said that Kanakadasa struggled to achieve equality in society. He should not be confined to one community.

He lauded Sri Vishwesha Tirtha for starting the Kanakadasa Jayanti celebrations in Udipi and building the kanaka mantapa on the Sri Krishna Temple premises.

Sri Vedavyasa Tantri welcomed the gathering. Ramachandrappa, former Mayor of Bangalore, and B. K. Ravi, member of the Backward Classes Commission, were present.

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