Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), April 17, 2005: As a prelude to the February 2006 Mahamasthakabhisheka of Bhagawan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola a series of conference and workshops would be organised. The Karnataka State Jain Youths Conference the first in the list of such programmes raised the curtain for the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations. The conference began on a high note with more than three thousands youths from across Karnataka assembling at Chavundaraya Mantap witnessing its inauguration by Sri D.Surendra Kumar of Dharmasthala. He inaugurated the conference in a unique way by ringing the bell. Speaking on the occasion he expressed his happiness over the high literacy rate of the Jains and called upon the youth to take active steps in self employment rather than relying on the Governmental opportunities. He also called upon the elderly class of the society to give equal opportunities to the youth in all fields so as to boost their morale in taking up new challenges. He also felt that time is ripe for the youth to concentrate more on propagating their ancient religious values rather than getting influenced by the western customs. He requested the religious heads and pontiffs to lead the youth in the path of dharma.
Speaking on the occasion Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt opined that the last three tirthankaras who attained the sainthood at a very young age stand as a motivation to the youth to follow the path of dharma. He called upon the youth to remember that the works done on religious basis would lead to success. Sri D.A.Patil the president of the Dakshinabharath Jain Sabha presided the inaugural function. Sri A.R.Nirmal Kumar the working president of the Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav National Committee delivered the key note address.
Youths March: Prior to the inauguration the youths assembled at Sri Vidyananda Nilaya and marched towards Chavundaraya Mantap in the premises of Bhandara Basadi and Jain Mutt. The youths who were in a jubilant mood and chanted the slogan Jai Gommatesha all through out their march and greeted each other. For some it was a unique opportunity to meet their new friends and for others it was reviving their old memories.
Lectures: After the inaugural function Sri Jinadatta Hadagali from Mahalingpur, Smt. Sujatha Mudradi of Moodabidri, Sri H.P.Mohan Kumar of Mandya delivered lectures on ‘Challenges to the Jain Youths’, ‘Personality Development’ and ‘Youths in Social and Religious Activities’ respectively. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)