Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 24: A seminar on 'Saptapadi’, simple mass marriage programme jointly organised by district administration, Hindu religious institutions and Religious endowment department was held at Town Hall Ajjarkad here on Sunday, February 23.
Fisheries, and harbour Inland Transport, Muzarai minister Kota Srinivas Poojary inaugurated the programme, accompanied by Maharshi Anand Guruji and Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharshi Anand Guruji said, “Today, people have education and knowledge but lack Samskara (culture). When I come to Udupi, I feel the absence of senior Pejawar Swamiji here. Today he is no more physically with us but his blessings will always be there. We are losing small happiness in our busy scheduled life.
“The state government scheme is very meaningful. Today poor people have burden of loans after getting their daughters married. They lose their happiness due to these debts. Hence, this mass marriage will help them to overcome this burden.”
In his inaugural address, Kota Srinivas Poojary said, ‘Mass marriages will be held in 100 temples in 30 districts, which belong to Muzrai department. The last date for the application is March 27 and Saptapadi will be held on April 26. We have written letters to all the 224 MLAs with no party discrimination urging the support.
“The government of Karnataka has decided to open 25 Goshalas in 25 religious centers. There is a huge responsibility on me. This programme is to strengthen the Hindu Dharma. We should have faith in God to build a strong nation and to build good culture. We have appointed 30 nodal officers to coordinate and exchange information on Saptapadi.”
Raghupathi Bhat, MLA Udupi said, “These days’ dowry cases are reducing. This government project will help poor and rural families, who want to get their daughters married. Most the time, people opt for grand marriage. Though, they are poor they will organise grand mehandi and reception functions by taking loan from Bank. But it is not necessary.”
Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, ZP, Neetha Gururaj, president, taluk panchayat Udupi, Siddhalinga Prabhu Yediyur and Ravi Kumar, assistant commissioner, Hindu religious organizations were present.
ADC Sadashiva Prabhu welcomed the gathering.