'Follow the path of dharma to foster communal solidarity': Minister M B Patil

Mangaluru: Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M B Patil stressed that the fundamental purpose of all religions is to uphold truth and societal well-being.

He was speaking on Tuesday after inaugurating the 93rd Sarvadharma Sammelana, an interfaith conference held at Dharmasthala as part of the Lakshadeepotsava.

Patil lauded India's unique commitment to religious co-existence, noting that the country is known for harmony and tolerance. "Our nation embodies the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family," Patil said. He urged participants to follow the path of dharma to foster communal solidarity.

The Minister termed the Dharmasthala temple a living example of unity, emphasising that diversity is the source and foundation of our strength. He highlighted the Dharmasthala's services, including its rural development programs, which have provided livelihoods to thousands of families across the state, including many in his district, Vijayapura.

Patil stated that all religions nurture the values of compassion, love and truth. He pointed to Vijayapura, the birthplace of Basavanna, as a symbol of these ideals, noting that Basavanna’s philosophy teaches that mercy forms the root of all religions.

The Minister urged devotees to embrace their faith while also offering prayers to nature, recognising the divine presence in all forms of life.

Offering blessings, Sri Svayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswati Swamiji of Hariharapura reinforced the idea that genuine harmony stems from a unified outlook that respects diversity in language, culture, and belief.

The Swamiji said that humanity is the highest religion and added: "It is not religion that sustains the world, but the humaneness within each individual."

He further noted that Indian culture is unique in its unconditional acceptance of religious pluralism, recognising that "truth is one, though the paths to reach it are many."

The Swamiji also mentioned that Lord Gautama Buddha is the ninth incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu and noted that his Ashram offers prayers to Lord Krishna, Vishnu, and Buddha alike. He emphasised the importance of maintaining an open heart and respecting all faiths.

Thinker Tanveer Ahmed Ullah lauded the educational institutions run by Dharmasthala, noting that the SDM institutions offer quality education at an affordable fee at a time when lakhs are spent elsewhere.

Citing the Quran's message that truth triumphs, he stated: "The culture of doing good for others in the mind is where true righteousness or dharma exists. All those who want to dig in Dharmasthala, can dig deeper and will find love, care, humanity and friendliness. You will find 'real India' here in Dharmasthala."

Prajavani Chief Sub-Editor S Suryaprakash Pandit also spoke. Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, and others were present.

In fact, Tanveer Ahmed Ullah arrived in Dharmasthala on Tuesday along with followers on a 350-km padayatra that commenced from Bengaluru on November 8. He was felicitated on the occasion.