Chitradurga: The late Sri Sri Sri 1108 Shivakumara Shivacharya Mahaswamiji earned an enduring place in the hearts of devotees through his contributions to education, social awareness and economic empowerment, said MLC Dr Ravi C.T.
He was speaking at the 35th tribute ceremony of the late seer at Srimad Ujjayini Saddharma Simhasana Bruhanmatha in Sirigere, held in the presence of Sri Sri Sri Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji and Panditaradhya Sri Sri Sri Dr Shivacharya Mahaswamiji.
Recalling the senior Jagadguru’s contributions, Dr Ravi said the seer combined the courage to speak the truth with the compassion of a mother. His personality reflected the saying, “Vajradapi kathorani, mriduni kusumadapi” — firm like a diamond and gentle like a flower, he said.
Dr Ravi said the senior Jagadguru transformed a financially weak Matha into an institution that played a significant role in guiding society. Education was among his key priorities, particularly in rural areas, where he encouraged the establishment of high schools to ensure that children had access to education.
The seer also sought to change the attitude of people towards the Matha, encouraging them to move from asking what the institution could do for them to considering what they could contribute to it, Dr Ravi said.
He recalled the Jagadguru’s efforts to encourage farmers to look beyond cultivation and understand markets and trade. The seer would ask farmers where they planned to sell crops such as sugarcane, cowpeas, groundnuts and sorghum, thereby encouraging them to develop market awareness and entrepreneurial skills.
His message that those with knowledge should pursue education, those with physical strength should work and those who are hungry should be fed helped promote a sense of responsibility and dignity of labour, Dr Ravi said.
Referring to the continuing challenge of caste-based discrimination, Dr Ravi said the Matha had promoted social equality through Sahapankti Bhojana, where people from different backgrounds ate together. He said such initiatives were rooted in the social philosophy of Basavanna and had been undertaken even before Independence.
“Casteism remains a thorn in society and untouchability has deepened the wound. These barriers have to be removed collectively,” Dr Ravi said, stressing that diversity should strengthen society rather than divide it.
He said Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution provides the framework for India’s political life, while Basavanna’s philosophy can serve as a moral guide for social life.
Dr Ravi also praised the present Jagadguru, Sri Sri Sri Dr Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, for continuing efforts to keep society socially conscious. He said the seer treats people with affection while remaining firm and impartial when circumstances demand it.
“Sirigere Matha has always treated me with affection and respect, without making a distinction between those in power and those without power. I will remain indebted to the Matha and, whenever I have the opportunity and strength, will work along the path shown by it,” Dr Ravi said.
