Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 25:  Rich tributes were paid to late Swami Shraddhananda, the legendary monk of Arya Samaj and well-known name in India's freedom movement, at a function held at the local centre of Arya Samaj here on Tuesday December 23.
 
The special programme was organized in connection with the 82nd Balidan Diwas (martyr day) observation of the  late Swamiji.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Arya Samaj Mangalore centre secretary Lokananda Arya focussed on the life, achievements and works of Swami Shradhananda and the immemorable role played by him in India's freedom and social reforms movements. He described the Swamiji as being  the first among those who have advocated the need for fighting against social evils like casteism, inequality etc prevailing in the Indian society.
 
It was Swami Shraddhananda who had strived to spread the message and philosophy of Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in south India. Mangalore Arya Samaj centre too was founded by Swami Shraddhananda in 1924, he pointed out.
 
About the influence of the Swamiji over Mangalore, he said noted freedom fighter Kudmul Ranga Rao, who was the first to start a movement to uplift the status of the dalit community, was inspired and guided by the Swamiji. Freedom fighters K R Karanth, Jnanapith  awardee Kota Shivarama Karanth, Kamadevi Chattopadyaya, Monappa Thingalaya and others took to social reforms movement at the behest of the Swamiji. Thingalaya who later became the president of Mangalore Arya Samaj, played a key role in the upliftment of Mogaveera community in the district, he said.
 
Mangalore Arya Samaj president K Bhavani Shankar presided over the function. Vice-president Sharada Shusheer, executice committee member Indranath Arya and others were present on the occasion. Special prayers and oblation was held to mark the occasion.