Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MSP)
Udupi, Jun 2: Paryaya Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Sri Krishna Math conferred 'Sri Krishnanugraha' title on state minister Dr V S Acharya on Sunday June 1 at a function held at the Rajangana of the Math by the Paryaya Reception Committee.
Delivering an address after accepting the reception and citation handed over to him, Acharya said that the state government does not suffer from lack of funds for noble causes, as he found out during his 20 months regime as a minister in the state. 'The government kitty had Rs 36,000 crore when we took over, which swelled to Rs 52,000 crore by the time our term came to an end, he revealed.
Dr Acharya said he was not greedy for any position and that he was willing to work without any portfolio in the cabinet, if the government finds it hard to allocate any portfolio to him. There is a possibility to entrust the ministry of home to me, and I will work honestly and dutifully, irrespective of which portfolio I get allotted with, he added.
Our priority is not to enjoy power, but to turn the state into a welfare state during our five year rule. We want to work and set high standards for running the government to the next government. The BJP started conquering the hearts of the people by storming to power in Udupi municipality in 1968, he recollected.
Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then leader of the opposition had announced in the year 1997 in the Lok Sabha that Udupi was the first municipality in the country to have banned the practice of carrying human soil on heads. The previous President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam too had congratulated me for having opened six government medical college within a span of 20 months during my tenure. The refinement that my elders provided me and the blessings of well meaning people like you could make this happen, he said with humility.
Registrar of Manipal Academy Dr K K Pai who handed over citation to Acharya said, that Dr Acharya, considering his capacity and knowledge, is fit to be a minister. Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math and Sri Raghumanyateerta Swamiji of Bheemanakatte Math delivered benedictory addresses. Bannanje Govindacharya too spoke highly of Acharya.
Sri Sugunendrateerta Sripad who accorded the feliciation by handing over a memento noted that power plays hide and seek with those who aspire for it, but comes seeking those who are not greedy of it. He wished that the Almighty will bless Acharya with the necessary boons to function still better.
Erya Lakshinarayan Alva and Prof Heranje Krishna Bhat were present. Prof M L Samaga read out the citation. Prof Sripathy Tantry welcomed and Gopalacharya compered the programme.