Mumbai, 02 Feb 2016: The new generation finds it difficult to understand the values of our ancestors and elders. Those who fostered the community and families have great amount of experiences. The grand parents and elders who are at home have gem of advices that got to be heard by the youth. Why one should be ashamed to admit the community that he/she was born? One should not hesitate to name their community that thrived in the past. One should not zero on self respect, said Swami Nirmalanandanath, head of Adichunchanagiri mutt, Sringeri, Karnataka.
Swami Nirmalanandanath was speaking after inaugurating Okkaliga Mahotsav, that was organized by Okkaliga Sangh Maharashtra Mumbai® at Radhabai T Bhandary auditorium, Bunts Bhavan, Kurla (East) here on Saturday January 30.
‘If one disrespects his own community, someday he/she would repent. The community organizers need to be supported shunning criticism, to bolster the Association. Meanwhile, one can earn respect by human virtues and knowledge. It would cleanse the inner self that will lead to spiritual bliss,’ said Swami Nirmalanandanath.
Okkaliga Sangh Maharashtra Mumbai® president Rangappa C Gowda presided the programme.
The former PM H Deve Gowda was the chief guest of the occasion.
Mandya – K R Pete MLA and Okkaliga Sangh Maharashtra Mumbai® founder president Dr Narayan R Gowda, Bunts Sangh Mumbai® president Karnire Vishwanat Shetty, Adichunchanagiri trust chairman Dr Sunil Mallesh were the guests of honor.
World Okkaliga Directory editor K T Chandru, deputy director of customs R C Chetan and honorary doctorate recipient Shiva M Mudigere were felicitated on the same occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Deve Gowda said, ‘The Bunts community brethren were forced to migrate to Mumbai owing to acute poverty. They had done odd jobs to sustain them and their kith and kin back home. Its owing to their hard work, they are settled across the country and overseas. Okkaliga is the true son of the soil. He toiled on a piece of land to prosper. Meanwhile, the lack of unity within Okkaliga community is destabilizing its domain, Gowda expressed deep concern on the future of community.
Okkaliga Sangh Maharashtra Mumbai® vice presidents Puttaswamy N Gowda and Mohan Kumar J Gowda, treasurer Ravindra N Gowda, joint secretary Manjunat K Gowda, joint treasurer Manjunat C Gowda, governing council members D S Mutte Gowda, Umesh R Gowda and others were present.
Dr Shamita Malnad rendered the farmers folk song. Srinivas Bengaluru compered the programme. The honorary general secretary K Raje Gowda welcomed the gathering. Rangappa C Gowda proposed vote of thanks.
Variety cultural shows were presented by renowned playback singer Dr Shamita Malnad, comedian Bank Janardan and Honnavalli Krishna.
The talented spot artist S Pratap presented self painting of H Deve Gowda for the delight of gathering.