Mangalore/Belthangady, November 22: The 82nd conference of religions organised as part of Lakshadeepotsava was inaugurated by the governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala on Friday November 21st at Dharmasthala.
Governor Vajubhai Vala lauded Dhramadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggadde for the service rendered by him towards the society.
Delivering his speech on this occasion, Vajubhai Vala said, “Life, becomes meaningful when we live for others. Morality and cultural formalities are the core essence of all religions”.
“Man should not pretend to be good but has to inculcate good attitudes in ones heart. The punishment of evil and protection of the good are the objectives of any religion. We should always excel in good deeds and should not go behind materialistic things,” said the governor.
He further continued, ” India is the only model country which respects women as mothers. There cannot be equality among men and women. Women as mothers are far more superior. They made Gandhi, Shivaji, Buddha and Krishna. Let all mothers emulate them. Men should follow them,” Vala concluded.
“Religion protects the society. Only dharma can bring prosperity to mankind. If we destroy dharma, then we will perish,” said Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade in his welcome address.
“Hinduism is an ancient religion and it has given knowledge to the world. Vedas, Upanishads and holy books have spread religious messages together with literature. Hinduism has given light to us. Only by living a religious life can we live a contented life,” Dr Heggade added.
Seer from Adi Chunchanagiri Math, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji presided over the convention said, “We should foster love among those who fight in the name of religions. We should not fight in the name of religions. The essence of all religions is same. There is only one God “.
Lectures were presented on ‘Religious synthesis in Islam’ by B M Hanif, ‘Religious synthesis in Buddhism’ by Dr B V Rajaram, and ‘Religious synthesis in Christianity’ by Fr Clifford Fernandes .
Classical music was performed by Shankaran Namboodiri from Tamil Nadu. Lecturer Kumar Heggade compered the program and Rudset Executive Director T P Jagadish Murthy thanked.
Governor Vajubhai Vala, Shree Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji and resource persons were felicitated during the convention by Dr Veerendra Heggade.
Prof S Prabhakar Vice-president of SDM Institutions, D Surendra Kumar, D Harshendra Kumar, Dr B Yashovarma, Secretary- welcome committee lecturer Sunil Pandith were present on the dais.
