Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking, the country's highest civilian honor the 'Bharat Ratna', be conferred on Siddaganga mutt seer Dr Shivakumara Swamiji.
The 600-year-old mutt has given to society many a great seer. The incumbent one Shivakumara Swamiji who has been vested with the responsibility of running the mutt since 1941, has served causes of the poor and needy by cutting across caste barriers, the CM has stated in the letter.
The mutt has instituted and governs 130 educational institutions and has educated over 9000 students so far.
The seer has served society for over seven decades in education, healthcare and spiritual sectors, Siddaramaiah has added.
Published 25 January 2018, 10:56 IST