Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SM)
Inputs: RK Durga Digitals
Udupi, Oct 24: Besides being the two largest democracies in the world, these two countries enjoy a strong spiritual relationship as well. Just as India is the acclaimed fountain-head of ancient religion and spirituality, America is the biggest among the countries having firm religious faith, said Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puthige Math of Sri Madhwacharyamoola Samsthanam.
The Swamiji was speaking on the occasion of the birthday felicitation of Abdul Kalam, the proud ex-president of India. The function was organized by Jagadguru Shivarathreeswhara Maha Samsthanam, Mysore at the JSS Center, Washington DC.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that ‘Every dollar contains the firm assertion. “In God we trust.” What more proof is needed to substantiate its religious fervor? As though this were not enough of a testimonial, this country has granted religious freedom to all the citizens; it has granted tax concessions to donations made for religious purposes.’
To crown it all, it has accepted non-interference in religious matters an avowed aspect of its policy. The establishment of cordial relationship among religious-minded nations is the crying need of the hour. The need for friendly relations between India and America has become more urgent than ever in the changing global scenario, he added.
Paying rich respects to Abdul Kalam, the Puthige Swamiji said that president Kalam has caused the hearts of Indians to bloom like the lotus and added that it was only fitting and proper that Kalam should be felicitated on his birthday. Puthige Swamiji took this opportunity to confer his best wishes on Kalam and to invite him to his Paryaya that is round the corner.
The Swamiji further said that Kalam's popularity and fame has transcended the barriers of religion and has spread the world over.
Suttoor Shivarathreeswhara Swamiji who is a Hindu leader in America that is predominantly a Christian country said that it is certainly a historic event as it stands for universal brotherhood. Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji congratulated Suttor Shivarathreeswhara Swamiji on his world-wide activities.
Shivarathreeswhara Swamiji emphasized the need to establish harmony between science and spirituality and stated that Abdul Kalam is a shining example of such a happy blend. He also recalled Kalam's close association with various JSS centers.
The event commenced with devotional songs sung by a team headed by Nalini Umesh.. Several top-ranking dignitaries like Peter Franchote, honorable comptroller , Albert Russel Wynn, Montgomery County executive Isiah Legget, Harward County executive Ken Ulman, India's ambassador Ronen Sen, Nityananda Swamiji of Dhyana Peetham, Nirbhayananda Swamiji of Ramakrishnashrama, Uvvacharya Lokesha Muni of the Swhetambara Jaina Peetam, Siddheswara Swamiji of Jnana Yogashram participated in the event.