Pics: Umesh Marpalli/ Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 1: Bhandari Maha Mandala (Vishwa Bhandary Samaja Sanghatana Okkoota) organized 'Aatidonji Dina' in commemoration of the Aati month at Sri Ammanni Ramanna Shetty auditorium, here, on Sunday July 31.
A huge crowd gathered to partake in the programme. Jayakar Shetty Indrali, CMD of the city's Badagabettu Credit Co-operative Society, inaugurated the programme.
In his inaugural address he said, "God has given us birth so that we may do social service. We should make use of the natural resources, but instead we forget our purpose."
"It is a good platform for sharing and catering to our rich Tulunadu culture. Every parent should educate their child about Indian culture," Jayakar Shetty added.
Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemaru Sandipana Kshetra addressing the gathering said, "I have a special attachment to the Bhandary community."
"It is always good if our heart feels another’s pain and that is the beginning of the structure of a good society."
He also added, "Tulunadu is a vast community with its own culture but, we are abandoning it. The nuclear family system of the nation decides the religion and culture of that nation. Gurukula education system can structure a good society."
He also added, "A mother's lap is a temple and we should learn culture at a young age. Parents should teach the essence of a rich culture to their children and should provide spiritual knowledge. The current generation does not have enough courage to face critical conditions. So it is the responsibility of the parents to build courage among the youth."
"A man should develop internally first. In some cases, we should learn from other religions the offering of prayers, chanting bhajanas and so on."
He further went on to say, "It is certain that we will receive the fruits of our good work carried out today."
Swamiji also urged the people to join hands in ridding society of alcohol.
Dr M Mohan Alwa, chairman, Alwas Education Foundation, Moodbidri stressed that every child should be educated as it plays a crucial role in today's competitive world."
Thonse Vijaykumar Shetty, president, Kalajagattu group of institutions, Mumbai and guest said that the current education system caters to only exam based education. We will not get any lesson relating to leading our life. Ancient people have aquired knowledge from nature."
He alleged that nowadays education institutions are producing machines which do not have feelings in them. Likewise, current students are growing like machines and institutions are catering to exam oriented syllabus."
At the closing ceremony, district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, "Even prime minister Modi has bowed his head in front of the Bhandary community during cutting of his hair, but Ramakrishna Hegde, former chief minister was a lone person, who never bowed his head. The Bhandary community has contributed a lot towards preserving culture."
"Every individual desires to earn property and gold, but no one wants to follow Tulunadu tradition and customs. This has really made me upset," opined minister Pramod.
"The Bhandary community has organized a good programme and it has helped to pass on a good message to the future generation."
The minister also promised that he will always be with this community and provide the necessary government support, whenever needed.
Suresh Bhandary Kadandale, president, Sri Kachchoor Nageshwara temple administration and seva trust presided over the programme.
A colourful folk dance, skit, oration of paddana, Tulunadu games were performed by members of the community irrespective of age.
A yogic team arrived from Mumbai to perform yoga.
Old artifacts, wooden tools and wooden vessels were exhibited at the occasion.
More than twenty counters were opened serving Tulunadu rich delicious food items like ‘arepda adde’, ‘happala’, ‘kadle’, ‘saantaani’, ‘thojank nurge soppu’, ‘urpel nuppu’, ‘padengi gashi’, ‘kudutha saar’, ‘tevu thetli’, ‘metheda ganji’, ‘pelakaaida gaarya’, ‘pelakaaida gatti’, ‘tevu padpe’, ‘bambe kudu gashi’, ‘kereng per’, ‘kerengda puul’, ‘kukkuda uppad’, ‘thimare chutney’, ‘uppad pachir’, ‘tekkareda talli’, ‘kudutha chutney’, ‘kukkuda chutney’ and so on.
Thousands of people participated in Aatidonji dina and they enjoyed the weekend with their families.
Jerry Vincent Dias, president, CREDAI, Purushottam Shetty, CMD, Ujwal Developers, Udupi, Yashpal Suvarna, president, DK and Udupi Fish Sellers' Federation were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Arpitha Prashant Shetty compered the programme.