'Private organisations have contributed a lot'

Commending the performance of Aryabhagini Paraspara Sahakara Sangha on the occasion of its 83rd anniversary, district in-charge minister S A Ramdas said private organisations had contributed in a big manner for the development of the society.

He was speaking after inaugurating Diamond Jubilee Hall at Aryabhagini Paraspara Sahakara Sangha at K R Mohalla on Thursday.“Associations and private organisations spilt up soon as they witness some growth. However, this sangha has stood the test of time, and is an example for other with its long lasting history of nearly eight decades. Organisations should strive to bring women to mainstream,” he said, assuring a contribution of Rs 5 lakh to extend the current building.

Former minister Rani Satish released a book ‘Pauranika mattu Aitihaasika Makkala Kathegalu’. Addressing the audience on the occasion, she said: “People these days identify themselves as social servants, barely after working for a year or two. A woman called me few weeks ago and introduced herself as a social activist. When I asked what issues she was working on, she had no answer. Without answering my question, she continued to speak and said she knows Congress leaders well and that I had to help her with obtaining a ticket to contest assembly elections. Though I have worked in public life for so long, I have severe self-doubts about my ability to contest elections. But, just after working for a couple of years, the woman thought she had attained a certain level and could contest elections. People should stop doing any social work, if they have selfish motives.”

MLC Thontadarya said 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was being celebrated in the country, and a foreigner who visited India on this occasion to study the dharma and the culture, opined that Hindus were minorities in India. “It is time we seriously thought about this,” he added. 

Thontadarya said he was arrested for opposing emergency and hence was jailed. Police had handcuffed him and taken him out in procession in K R Nagar. “My wife didn’t comment about it. She was medical administrator then. In fact, she was proud of me and encouraged me. Women are the binding force in all families,” he added.

Former minister Leeladevi R Prasad released ‘America Pravasa Kathana’ on the occasion.District Cooperative Union president H V Rajeev, former mayor Vasu, corporator Vidya Urs, Raji V Raman, sangha president Saroja Krishnamurthy, members Padma, Sridevi and others were present.