CM writes to Modi, seeks Bharat Ratna for Siddaganga seer

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer Bharat Ratna on Siddaganga seer Shivakumara Swami.

Siddaramaiah, in a letter to the prime minister, said even at the age of 110 years, the seer continued to render "exemplary service" to the community at large and the poor in particular.

Siddaramaiah's letter comes days after BJP leader and former chief minister S M Krishna made the same appeal to Modi through a letter.

The Mutt and Siddaganga Education Society, under the stewardship of Shivakumara Swami, is serving in the areas of philanthropy, education and spiritual activities. "The Society established by the Swami has more than 130 educational institutions mostly in rural and semi-urban areas. These institutions are providing education ranging from Sanskrit studies to engineering and technology.