President Draupadi Murmu paid rich tribute to Dr Sree Sivakumara Mahaswamiji on his 119th birthday and Guruvandana at Sree Siddaganga Mutt near Tumakuru in Karnataka today.
She noted that the former pontiff of Siddaganga Mutt who passed away at the grand old age of 111 in 2019 was a saint who followed the tenets of Lord Basaveshwara by serving humanity.
The President said that the spiritual leader opened Math for the poor, provided them free education and food and helped them to develop a wholesome personality. She said Education and personality development are instrumental in ensuring a better future for our country.
Further the President noted that education inculcates atmanirbharata in individuals who can make meaningful contributions for the country.
Saying that the country is celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram song, the President referred to Jnanpith award-winning Kannada poet Kuvempu who had described Karnataka as a daughter of Bharat Rashtra in his poem.
During this occasion, Karnataka Governor Thawaarchand Gehlot, Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi and V Somanna, state ministers Dr G Parameshwar, M B Patil and Laxshmi Hebbalkar among others were present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah today paid tributes to Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu stands in collective memory as an embodiment of compassion, humility and unwavering service to humanity.
The Prime Minister added that through a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others, Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others. Mr Modi highlighted that Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu’s remarkable contributions across education, social welfare and spirituality have left an enduring imprint on society.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah called Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu a revered saint who dedicated his life to compassion and education. Mr Shah added that Dr Sivakumara Swamigalu’s legacy of Siddaganga Mutt gives inspiration to serve the nation selflessly.
