SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF KARNATAKA RATHNA DR. SREE SREE SIVAKUMARA SWAMIJI OF SREE SIDDAGANGA MATH

Tumkur, Karnataka, 2nd February, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to be in Tumkur and to have the opportunity to meet Dr. Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamiji, who has completed hundred years and spent his entire life in the service of mankind. He has been able to work so dedicatedly because of his strong adherence to self-discipline and his unwavering faith in humanity. He continues to remain sharp and agile, and still follows a rigorous work schedule.

Swamiji is a living illustration of the ancient philosophy of India, where work is considered to be worship. He has been working ceaselessly for the upliftment of the people, particularly the rural poor and the downtrodden. Performing work with this motivation is the need of the nation. If everybody does their work with dedication and to the best of their ability, it would result in increased efficiency and better productivity as also in a better social environment. Whether it is students or teachers; doctors, engineers or scientists; officials or those working in the fields, factories or running their own enterprises - if all were to work devotedly what a difference it would make! Swamiji has correctly said that work is the prayer for the welfare of the world. I would call on all of you to make this a rule while going about your daily activities.

It is said in the Vedas that Vidya daan and Anna daan are admirable acts Knowledge removes ignorance and food banishes hunger, thus enriching a human being. Knowledge gives the ability to understand the purpose of life and food gives the physical nourishment necessary to work towards that purpose. In fact, the basic objective of the UN Millennium Development Goals, adopted by all countries, is to remove widespread hunger and ignorance that is prevalent in the world. Work undertaken by the Siddaganga Math is an important contribution in the fight to free people from the scourge of poverty and hunger and to make their lives better through education.

I am informed that the Sree Siddaganga Education Society, established more than forty five years ago, is today running one hundred and thirty educational institutions. In the Gurukula, eight thousand students, mostly hailing from rural areas and coming from diverse communities, are provided free education, food and shelter. In the Sanskrit institute, Sanskrit is taught upto the post-graduation level, making it one of the few such institutions in the country. Besides, there are institutes of technology, industrial training, business management and also colleges of pharmacy, nursing and education. Thus, education is imparted in a range of disciples covering not only ancient studies but contemporary subjects as well.

All this has been possible because Swamiji, as the head of the Math established in the 15th century, is committed to carrying forward the tenets of a great spiritual legacy. This is also on account of Swamiji's background of being a graduate, who has studied physics and mathematics. It shows how magnificent results could come out, if spirituality and education work together. He thus, brings to the field of education the necessary experiences to impart education in various disciplines. I am confident that those who pass out from Siddaganga institutions will progress in life and become good citizens of India.

Educating our youth is an important responsibility. Swamiji looks at education as a debt to be paid by the present generation to the future generation. It should be our effort to work towards ensuring that all young boys and girls of India receive the gift of education that prepares them to be productive human beings, and imbibes in them a value system that will bring peace and harmony in the world and progress and prosperity to mankind. They should, from a young age, be taught about compassion and a caring attitude towards each other and showing respect towards elders. A person's conduct with others, often speaks about the upbringing and value system. Much importance is attached to the way we deal with others. Basavanna has summed this well in these words -

(It is heaven if you say - Sir, and it is hell if you say - you fellow)

The feeding of all pilgrims who come to this Math is a manifestation of our great tradition, which tells us that as you eat, see to it that others do not go hungry. The sharp rise in food prices last year has negatively impacted on efforts to eradicate poverty. It is estimated that an additional 100 million people now face the prospect of starvation. This brings me to the important topic of food security in the country and globally. The world population is growing. In the fifty years between 1950 and 2000, it grew from 2.5 billion to 6 billion and in the next fifty years, it is expected to rise to 9 billion. Even our population is growing at the rate of 2.1 percent per year, as per the latest census in 2001. As China has stabilized its population, it is expected that we will surpass the population of China, in the near future. Therefore, we may need to look at our population policy. Also, to feed this population, we need to ensure that food availability is increased. That can only happen if food production and productivity are augmented. Productivity can be enhanced by making available to our farmers, better seeds, necessary irrigation facilities and marketing linkages. Scientists must constantly work with farmers to acquaint them with better agricultural practices and at the same time our research efforts in the field of agriculture must continue. We need to have another Green Revolution which will be an ever green revolution where agricultural production would be on a continuous upward curve. I am told that as a part of the Centenary celebrations, an agricultural conference is also being organized here, where I hope some of these issues will be discussed.

In rural areas, particularly those which are located in far-flung areas, health and education facilities are limited. It is important to create awareness among the people on various socio- economic issues. I have often called on civil society and NGOs to go to villages for social work and to have regular and constant interaction with the local rural population. I would urge social workers to create awareness amongst the population living in rural areas, to extend them support in capacity building and to guide them about the various Government schemes designed for their welfare.

I once again convey my good wishes to the Sree Siddaganga Math and Respected Swamiji. Their work for the welfare of humanity and promotion of goodwill between people is commendable. Once again I pay my highest tribute to Swamiji, who has completed 101 years. It is said that it is not important how long one has lived, but how one has lived. Swamiji has lived a life in which he has always helped others. I once again convey my by best wishes to all of you. I end with a saying of Basavanna;

(One must have compassion towards all living beings. Compassion is the basis of all religions).

I hope the people of our country follow this message in their lives.

God bless you.

Thank You.

Jai Hind.