Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Sep 26: "Fanaticism and terrorism would not have prevailed if preaching of Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Mahatma Gandhi has been strictly adopted in contemporary education," asserted energy minister Shobha Karandlaje.
She spoke after inaugurating ‘Darshana’, a seminar for degree students organized by Ramakrishna Math as part of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda here on Wednesday September 26.
She said that it is alarming to see educated youths being caught on charges of terrorism of late. "A university student being involved in Naxal activities is also another example of youth lacking religious and social awareness," she said. She rued that politicians are using vote banks to get ahead.
Recalling her visit to Kailash and Manasa Sarovar, Karandlaje said that they were once a part of the Indian territory, but now Rs 55,000 has to be paid to the Chinese government for visa of just four to five days. Likewise, parts of Kashmir and Assam have also been infiltrated after independence, she said.
"Youth should be intellectually bright. Swami Vivekananda’s life and his intelligence were widely adored irrespective of religion and nations," she added.
Swami Jitakamanandaji, president of Ramakrishna Math said that life of Vivekananda taught the universe importance of tolerance and living a dignified and responsible life.
Swami Anupamanandaji of Ramakrishna Mission Chandigarh, Prof Raghottama Rao were present on the occasion.
Rainfall shortage has severely affected electricity - Karandlaje
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, energy minister Shobha Karandlaje said that this year the state has witnessed the worst drought situation, as compared to past 40 years. "Poor wind velocity has caused shortage in electricity production. Merely 200 to 300 mega watts electricity is produced in the state where there is a need for 1,500 mega watts electricity per day. She however added that the units in Udupi and Bellary are expected to make up for the shortage. As the coal is very slurry, it is not possible to put it in the boiler for electricity production, she said.
When asked about the compensation for endosulfan victims she said that during Yeddyurappa’s stint a survey was conducted and Rs 50,000 compensation and monthly pension had been guaranteed. As there are victims in other villages too, the government should initiate medical camps, she urged.