MYSRU, Aug 29:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that the education creating literates is easy but moulding them into scholars should be the objective of education.
Delivering his inaugural speech, from New Delhi, as part of the day-long digital and virtual events, organised by Suttur Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Mutt (Suttur Mutt), to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of the 23rd seer Shivaratri Rajendra Swami today, he said this should be based on spirituality and values.
The National Education Policy and the gradual evolution of education over the years is a step in this direction,” he said.
He said that becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’ is not just financially and economically, but also culturally and psychologically and for this, we need spiritual and religious guidance.
The Defence Minister said, getting inspired by other civilisations and cultures in not a problem. “Emulating good things is always welcome, but, aping others blindly, is a problem. For this, education is important. Education creating literates is easy. Moulding them into scholars should be the objective of education. This should be based on spirituality and values. The National Education Policy and the gradual evolution of education over the years is a step in this direction,” he said.
Mr Singh said, Veerashaiva philosophy, which the Suttur Mutt propagates, is based on two principles – peaceful co-existence and worship of work. “These two principles helped us, as a nation, to tackle the Covid pandemic. The doctors, other healthcare professionals, government officials, members of non-government organisations and also volunteers have been serving the society selflessly, because they regard work as worship,” he said..
He said spiritual and religious institutions are vital for a healthy – both physical and psychological health – society. “They have always strived for social welfare.
Their services during the pandemic have been valuable. Their journey over the decades have been of great civilisational value. They have given new dimension to education and culture.
They journey is towards making a strong and awakened Bharat,” he said. While Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa released animation films ‘Suttur Srimutt – Guru Parampare’ in Kannada and ‘The Heritage of Sri Suttur Mutt’ in English.
Speaking on the occasion he described late Suttur seer Dr Shivrathi Rajendra Swamiji as a great human being spent his entire life helping the society.
He said it is an honour to be part of the jayanthi, due to Covid-19 I am participating in this virtual perogramme and it is a good platform to remember him.
Books and animation movies on Swamiji could not have be released at a more opportune moment as he lived for peace and religious harmony in the society and he should be a role model for all of us.
Suttur mutt has been treading the path laid down by the swamiji. The mutt believes in social equality and is fighting for it tirelessly. Let the mutt’s good work continue unhindered, he added.
Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda presided over the event.
District in-charge Minister S T Somasekhar felicitated Abdul Kareem of Shoonyeka Solutions, makers of the animation films.
The event began with puja to ‘gadduge’ (memorial) of Shivaratri Rajendra Swami and Mantra Mahasrshi at Suttur in Nanjangud taluk. Floral tributes were paid to the statue of the seer at the Mysuru branch, by seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami. MP Prathap Simha, MLC A H Vishwanath, were present on the occasion. (UNI)
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