Ravi Shastri launches ‘Adhara Deepa’ in Udupi

The Hindu

Udupi, 08 December 2010: The former international cricketer Ravi Shastri launched the “Adhara Deepa” scheme of Paryaya Shiroor Math here on Wednesday. The “Adhara Deepa” scheme aims at helping to provide employment to unemployed degree holders.

 

 

Mr. Shastri said it was laudable that Shiroor Math had taken up the important task of helping the unemployed youth. This would go a long way in helping the youth as well as society.

 

Mr. Shastri recalled that he had visited Sri Krishna Temple about 16 years ago in 1994 during the previous Paryaya of Lakshmivara Tirtha of Shiroor Math. At that point, he had retired from international cricket and had embarked on a new career as broadcaster. “I was apprehensive about new career. But with the blessings of Lord Krishna, I could make a mark in it,” he said.

 

Mr. Shastri said he was a native of Udupi district. “It is great to come back to one’s roots. My ancestors were from this district. I feel proud and humble to be back here,” he said. MLA Raghupati Bhat said the district was making its mark in the field of sports. The athlete Ashwini Akkunji from Jansale in Kundapur taluk of the district had won two gold medals in women’s hurdles and women 4 x 400 metres relay at the recently concluded Asian Games in China.

 

Mamatha Poojary from Hermunde in Karkala taluk of the district was part of the women’s Kabbadi team which had bagged the gold medal.

 

“We have been always proud of the fact that Mr. Shastri, who belongs to our district, had made a mark in international cricket,” Mr. Bhat said.

 

Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji, MLA Raghupati Bhat, President of Udupi City Municipal Council president Kiran Kumar, S.D. Pejathaya, Santosh Shastri and U. Damodar were present.