Rastrakavi G S Shivarudrappa on Saturday criticised the practice of forcible religious conversions in the country.
He was speaking on ‘Religion and Social responsibility’ at Sharana Samskruthi Utsav and Sahaja Shivayoga - 07. “Each individual should be let free to follow the religion of his or her own choice. All religions propagate human welfare and shunning of violence. But, efforts are being made to convert the innocent to other religions. This is not  healthy,” he noted.

Shivamurthy Swami of Murughamutt, Chitradurga, said violence in the name of religion was the biggest threat in the 21st century.    Poet Prof K S Nissar Ahmad was felicitated. Several writers were honoured with ‘Sahitya Ratna award.’