Udupi, February 4: Religion is a potent force and shall be utilized for the welfare of the mankind. Mahathma Gandhi, Martin Luthar, Mother Theresa and other great personalities also practiced the same. But today it is a pity that some of the fanatic or fundamental organizations, in the name of religion, have been spreading hatred and violence, opined Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 31st Krishi Mela of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Gramabhivruddhi Yojane, being held for three days at Government PU College ground, Bajagoli.
“Religion shall preach moral values, love and peace. When it goes against these religious principles may turn out to be disastrous”, he said and lauding the efforts of Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala D Veerendra Heggade. “Krishi Mela by SKDGY has been a successful experiment by a non-governmental organization in the field of agriculture. By transforming the lives of millions of farmers and rural people by the means self help groups and their financial empowerment Veerendra Heggde has become an icon of rural development”, Moily added.
He called upon the farmers to look in to newer technology and scientific developments for prosperity. He said that though India had a highest cattle population (dairy farming), its out put is insufficient. To help the farmers Central government has been mulling over bring about changes in its import – export policies.
Moily also said that a Rs 712 crore proposal to construct smaller dams, to prevent water from rivers and rivulets joining the Arabian sea had come before the central government. “Once it gets the government approval we can also have a greener pastures like those in Punjab”, he said.
Moily said, “We have caged our knowledge for thousands of years. That should be released to reach to every person, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, religion and region. The expansion shall be inclusive and towards excellence”.
D Veerendra Heggade presided over the function. Deputy Speaker Yogish Bhat, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Abhayachandra Jain, Gopal Bhandary, MLC Ganesh Karnik, Chairman of the Third Finance Commission Report Implementation Committee AG Kodgi, SCDCC Bank President MN Rajendra Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Agricultural University Dr K Narayana Gowda, President of Mudar Gram Panchayath Malathi Naik, Trustee of SKDGY D Suredra Kumar and others were present.
On the occasion progressive farmer Dr LC Soans was honoured with the life time achievement award.
Live demonstrations by rural arisans, folk arts, exhibition of agricultural equipments, cattle show etc were the high lights of the Krishi Mela.
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