Include Tulu in Eighth Schedule: Pejawar seer

I have expressed my thoughts about Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and also elaborated on the reasons why Ram Mandir should be rebuilt at the same place, Pejawar Mutt Pontiff Vishwesha Teertha Swami said on Thursday.

The seer, recollecting his interaction with President of India Ram Nath Kovind, said he had drawn President’s attention to Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s demand for promulgating an ordinance to facilitate the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The pontiff also recollected appealing to the President on observing the day of Vijayadashami as Madhwacharya Jayanti in recognition of latter’s contribution to the spiritual field.

“I have also appealed him to establish Madhwacharya University in Pajaka Kshetra and inclusion of Tulu language into the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.”

Swami said Union Minister Uma Bharathi had played a key role in ensuring that the President of India pays a visit to the Krishna temple in Udupi.

“However, her absence, on this occasion has left me pained.”

The President of India arrived in Udupi by a helicopter from Mangalore International Airport. At the Krishna temple, Kovind was given a rousing reception.

During his hour-long stay on the premises of the mutt (Temple), President of India was briefed about the temple’s history, traditions and unique rituals by Pejawar Mutt Pontiff Vishwesha Teertha Swami. The President was also shown a documentary on the pontiff made by one Seshagiri.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Udupi District In-charge Minister Jayamala, Opposition leader in Legislative Council Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Raghupathy Bhat, Zilla Panchayat President Dinakara Babu, Mysuru Regional Commissioner Yashwanth, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, ADGP Kamal Panth, IGP Arun Chakravathy, Udupi Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi among others were present.