Shravanabelagola, February 2, 2006: The absence of a full fledged chief minister heading the State Government when the Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations were underway is a matter of regret, Shravanabelagola MLA C S Putte Gowda lamented on Thursday.
Delivering the presidential addressed at the inauguration of the ‘Bharatesha Exhibition’, Mr.Putte Gowda echoed the opinion of all on the dais, including Shravanabelagola Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and Principal Secretary (Tourism) Ms.Shantakumari, when he said it would have been appropriate if the State had a full fledged chief minister in office when the exhibition was being inaugurated. He hoped the impasse would be resolved by Friday.
Principal Secretary (Tourism) Ms. Shantakumari, inaugurating the exhibition, said the influence of Jainism on Indian society including Hinduism was deep rooted and Jainism was the reason why animal sacrifices which was rampant under the Brahminical influence was curbed to a large measure.
Shravanabelagola Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji recounted that the story of brothers Bharata and Bahubali was more than 5000 years old as testified with the discovery of an idol of Bahubali in the Mohanjedaro site. However, if one went by the literary records, it was much older and has influenced all facets of life in various kingdoms since, he quoted the examples of Bahubali in many ancient literary works.
MMC06 Hon.President MMC06 Honorary President Mr. Naresh Kumar Sethi, Reception President Mr. Nirmal Kumar Sethi, Exhibition Committee President Satish Jain, Exhibition Committee convener Padmaprasad, Hassan Deputy Commissioner Ashwath Narayan Gowda, Superintendent of Police Pandurang Rane, Jilla Panchayat CEO Jamadhar and Shravanbelagola Gram Panchayat President Sharat Kumar were also present. Working President A R Nirmal Kumar welcomed. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)