Karnataka: Respect any religion that leads to truth, says BJP's B L Santosh

Malavalli, Mandya district: BJP general secretary (organisation) B L Santosh said, “We should not fight in the name of religion, thinking that our religion is superior and others’ is inferior. We must respect any religion that leads us towards the truth.”

He addressed a gathering on Thursday, the fourth day of the 1,066th Jayanti Mahotava of Adi Jagadguru Shivaratrishwara Shivayogi Mahaswami of Suttur Veerasimhasana Mahasanstan Mutt, in front of Shanthi College in Malavalli town, on Thursday.

“To preserve the tradition and legacy of the mutts in our land, many such programmes are essential. We must work to respect all religions that walk the path of truth. There should be no difference of opinion regarding God and scriptures. We must have the perspective that we are living at a time when the world is complex. We must move away from the mindset of fighting over issues of God and religion,” he said.

Participating in such religious congregations and satsangs helps eliminate intolerance in the society, fosters a broader mindset among people, and enables the feeling of equality. He noted that the Suttur Mutt is respected by everyone because it unites all religions and preaches religious harmony.

Dignitaries present

The event was graced by seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt. Mummudi Nirvana Swami and Chennabasava Swami of Kanakapura Degula Mutt, Siddalinga Shivacharya Swami of Vatalu Mutt, Shantamallikarjuna Swami of Saluru Bruhanmath, JD(S) state youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy, MLA P M Narendra Swamy, Mahantha Swami, Omkara Swami of Hosahalli Mutt, Sarpa Bhushana Swamy of Belakavadi Mutt, former ministers D C Thammanna and Murugesh R Nirani, former MLA K Annadani, former MLC D S Veeraiah, former KRIDL Chairman M Rudresh, and industrialists S Nishanth and M R Umapati were present.

Songs by Shivanna

Film actor Shivaraj Kumar released the book 'Vichara Lahari' and spoke about the services of Suttur Mutt to the society. He recalled that his family has maintained a close relationship with the mutt for a long time.

He entertained the audience by singing and dancing to popular songs like 'Mutthanna Peepi Ooduv Mutthanna Dolu Badiyuva' and 'Bombe Heluthaite'.