Mangalore, Dec 14: Decrying clashes between religious communities, Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swamiji, pontiff and chairperson of Nidumamidi Mahasamstha Mutt said that people should develop the attitude of one country and one society. The society should step out of its religious framework and build a united nation, he said.
Interacting with media persons in the city on Sunday, he said that the entire country had become divided along religious lines, solely due to political and economic reasons. All of the terroristic communalism (bhayodpaadaka komuvaada) is a creation of politics in the country. In addition, few social elements are utilising their community members to disseminate hatred between communities. Hindutva is not the answer to building a nation. Instead, it is important to build the nation by uniting hearts, he said.
œOurs is a tradition of living and co-exiting in harmony and promoting brotherhood among different communities. In a country of multi-cultural traditions, we should live in peace as one, he said, adding that religious leaders such as swamijis and other social leaders should work for unity.
Speaking on the issue of discrimination in context of children refusing midday meals prepared by a Dalit in government schools, he said that the problem arose only when Dalits began preparing the meals. œIt only goes to show that we still live with a feudalistic mindset and support untouchability. This discrimination still takes place in several villages across the state which goes unreported in the media. More than legal acts, the locals inclusive of the panchayat leaders themselves should make it a point to discourage this discrimination and evil practice, he said, adding that a collective effort should be made to end the discrimination against Dalits.
Speaking on whether or not Mutts should be brought under the purview of law, Swamiji said that one would need a national policy for Mutts to be made nationalized. œIf such a national policy is made which is beneficial for the development of the nation, I will welcome it, he said.
On the issue of black money being donated to Mutts and other religious institutions in the country, he said that the chief minister should a create an endowment fund through which black money could be utilised to extend financial aid to widows, physically challenged, mentally challenged, and patients suffering from cancer, AIDS etc.
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