Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Feb 14: A function on the occasion of release of reprint edition of B Janardhan Poojary's autobiography, 'Saalamelada Sangrama', was organized at Lord Gokarnanatha temple hall, Kudroli on Tuesday February 13.
The reprint edition was released by Poojary after priests of the temple, Lokesh Shanti, Laxman Shanti and guests performed Aarati to the books. Speaking thereafter, he said that Indian culture involves respecting all religions, and the principles of oneness preached by Narayana Guru to the world will remain as perpetual principle. "These principles will be perennially relevant and my autobiography is backed by the principles of Indian culture, apart from principles and ideals preached by Narayana Guru," he stated.
Poojary stressed that whatever that is found in his autobiogrphy is true and that he has never hurt others. He also said that he is not afraid of anyone, and even if he is forced to lay down his life, he will not hurt people from other castes and religions. He reiterated that Billava community follows the ideals and principles of Narayana Guru.
On this occasion, journalist, Manohar Prasad, and social worker, Arun Coelho, were felicitated. When felicitating former youth Congress president, Arun Coelho, Poojary said he was not honouring Coelho for being a Congress leader but because he always stood by truth. "A big man from the district used abusive words against my mother, and it is not possible for me to repeat those words. Once at the airport here and again at a marriage function at Suratkal, this particular person used derogatory language against my mother in the presence of about a hundred persons. Some people who heard him, told me about this incident. Later, I approached Coelho and asked him about the veracity of this incident.
With eyes welled with tears, Coelho confirmed that such an incident had indeed happened. He is neither my relative nor does he belong to my caste or religion. Still, he stood by truth and therefore, has the right to be honoured by me," he explained.
"In the past I had wished that the person who abused my mother will have a good future. Harikishna Bantwal was livid at the way I wished that person well at the book release function. He objected at the way I greeted the person who used filthy language against my mother. I said I cannot be like him. Truth cannot be hidden, and everyone will know about it one or the other day," he stated.
Poojary said that journalist, Jyoti Prakash, and his wife, Preetika, had expressed the desire to pen his biography and that he had permitted them to do so. He added that this book will also come out soon and that he would be getting it printed, and that it will be released at the Press Club here.
Poojary expressed his dissatisfaction at the fact that former minister, Suma Vasanth, who used to visit this temple every year on Shivaratri day, had skipped the practice this year. He said in the presence of her family members that people who get positions out of God's grace should not forget Him.
Initially, a thousand copies of the autobiography of Poojary had been released, and the entire stock was sold within minutes. In the reprint, 5,000 copies have been brought out, and 500 copies each have been bought by minister, U T Khader, and chairman of A J Group of institutions A J Shetty.
City mayor, Kavitha Sanil, president of Gokarnanatha Temple Managing Committee, H S Sairam, vice president, Raghavendra Kulur, treasurer, Padmaraj R, Malati Janardhan Poojary, and others were present. Manohar Prasad presented the programme.