Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that violence and militancy are happening in the name of religion and the minds of those who are involved in such activities have to be changed, and that can be done only by the religious leaders.
He was speaking after inaugurating Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya Jayanthi Yugamanotsava, Sri Veerabhdraswamy Maharathotsava, and the foundation stone for the 51-foot tall statue of Sri Renukacharya in Chikmaglur.
"In the present day, violence and militancy are happening in the name of religion and the mind of those who are involved in such activities has to be changed, and that can be done only by the religious leaders," said Chief Minister Bommai.
The Chief Minister further said that the seers are undertaking the campaign continuously to remove differences among the castes and communities and for the establishment of social harmony.
"It is lucky that they have Rambhapuri in South India just like the Kashi in North India. The preachings, ideology, and culture of Jagadguru Renukacharya are a strong foundation for a bright future. The pontiff always propagated the 'Manava Dharma' saying that those who tread the path of truth and act to their conscience are the real human beings. The Siddartha Shikamani shows several ways to keep their mind in control. They must adopt these two in their lives. The seers are undertaking the campaign continuously to remove differences among the castes and communities, and for the establishment of social harmony," he said.
He further said that Sri Jagadguru is playing an important role in creating awareness about the religion.
"The former CM BS Yediyurappa, irrespective of caste or community, released the grants to the Rambhapuri Peet, Kaginele Gurupeeta, development of Baada (the birthplace of Saint Kanakadasa), Rs 40 crore for Haj Bhavan. The mutts are offering shelter, food, and education to the children. This has helped in the development of the state," said Mr Bommai.
Basavaraj Bommai said everyone must understand that it is possible to ensure world peace only through religion.
"The need of the hour is to build an equal society. It is a matter of happiness that the Jagadguru Renukacharya award has been presented to Yediyurappa in recognition of his contribution to the people," he added.
Dr Veerasomeshwara Rajadeshikendra Shivacharya Swamiji, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister, Yediyurappa, Minister CC Patil, and the Chief Minister's political secretary DN Jeevaraj were present.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
9 Lord Ayyappa Devotees Injured In Cylinder Blast In Karnataka Man Runs Tractor Over Brother In Karnataka, Then Surrenders To Cops 10 Sixes, 50-Ball Century: Shreyas Iyer Sends Clear Message To BCCI Ahead Of Champions Trophy With Vijay Hazare Knock "Congress Should Be Ready...": Mani Shankar Aiyar's Big INDIA Bloc Remark 3 Marriages, Rs 1.25 Crore: How 'Looting Bride' Targeted Rich Men Bashar Al-Assad's Wife Files For Divorce, Wants To Return To UK: Report 140 Trillion Oceans Of Water Discovered In Deep Space Lower Your Blood Pressure This Winter With These Simple Tips Scammers, Fake Accounts, Controversial Figures: Bluesky's Many Struggles Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.