Don’t restrict Narayana Guru to a caste: Jayamala

Minister for Women and Child Development, Kannada and Culture Jayamala said that Sri Narayana Guru is an asset to the country.

“Narayana Guru gave a voice to the underprivileged, which we should all be proud of. He should not be restricted to one caste or community,” she added.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating a programme to mark the distribution of Brahmasri gold medal and scholarships to meritorious students. The programme was organised by the Narayana Guru Yuva Vedike in the city on Sunday.

“Had Narayana Guru not been born and not fought for the upliftment of the underprivileged, then women would not have enjoyed the freedom they have today and would not have been empowered,” Jayamala pointed out.

“There is a need to identify and support the talented and meritorious students. There is also a need to support those who are deprived of education,” the minister added.

Naveenchandra D Suvarna, president of the Akhila Bharata Billava Sangha, said that there is a need to free youth from exploitation in the name of development of society. “The names youth from our community are heard in criminal activities in the district. There is a need to seriously think on the issue and also ensure that the youngsters do not indulge in illegal activities,” he added.

Achievers K Chitraranjana (education and social) and Daiva Pathri Sannidh Poojary (fashion choreographer) were felicitated on the occasion.