JOIN US'Religious meets strengthen unity'
He was speaking at the 21st anniversary of Hanuman jayanti organised by Anjaneya Swamy Temple Trust in Gangotri Layout in the city.
Saying that he and Chamaraja MLA H S Shankarlinge Gowda, trustee of the trust share two things in common, the governor hailed the latter as a secular elected representative.
It was also one of the reasons that made him readily accept the invitation to participate in the programme. “One has to always have a broader outlook without practicing discrimination”, the governor said.
He described Karnataka state as a representative of the core of Vedas, and India as a fellowship of faith.
The governor also made a passing reference of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and his contribution — Naada Geethe, to the thunderous applause of the gathering. Religious leaders, representing different faiths, Bishop of Mysore Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, Adhichunchanagiri Mutt Mysore branch seer Sri Somanatha, Sri Gurubasava Mahamane seer Sri Basavananda and others painted a picture of unity in diversity.
Earlier, as soon as the governor arrived, an elephant raised its trunk as a mark of respect after garlanding the dignitary.
Prafulta Bhardwaj, trustee Nagalakshmi Shankarlinge Gowda, KSOU vice-chancellor K S Rangappa, University of Mysore registrar P S Naik and others were present.
Colourful procession
Earlier during the day, a colourful procession of various cultural troupes was taken out from Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises, Mysore Palace north gate.
Folk artists drawn from various streams of folklore from Karnataka and border areas, regaled the onlookers and participants in the programmes with their talent, mannerisms, body language and vivid performances during the procession.