Shivakumara Swami, also known as the “Walking God” was the seer who headed the Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, Karnataka. The great seer breathed his last on 21st January 2019 at 11:44 am. He was one of the most revered and respected philanthropists and his death has come as a shock to all his devotees. Politicians across party lines have expressed grief and shock at the seers’ demise and are currently en route to pay homage and their last respects to the divine soul.
Following his demise, the Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has once again raised demands of a Bharat Ratna for the seer. This has been echoed across party lines and has been accepted by all as a well-deserved nomination. Here, we look at ten reasons why Siddaganga Swamiji deserves the Bharat Ratna – India’s highest civilian honor.
1. The Gurukulas:
The esteemed seer has Gurukalas housing over eight thousand children. The late seer never discriminated amongst his followers or the needy and helped those in need irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.
2. Feeding Thousands Everyday
Nobody goes hungry in these boarding houses and anyone in need can enjoy three meals a day. Even on the day of his death, Swamiji has depicted his humanitarian values to the world. He insisted that if he dies today then the news shall be announced only after the afternoon Dasoha of Mutt’s children. This is the reason why the announcement of seer’s demise got delayed.
3. Education
Founder of the Sree Siddaganga Education Society, the Swamiji was a great advocate of education and empowerment of the poor. The society runs over a hundred educational institutions. Some of these also offer free boarding and education for the poor.
4. Shelter
The society also offers shelter to the destitute thus completing the trividha dasoha or selfless service in three spheres.
5. Tradition:
The swamiji’s educational institutions offer traditional learning of Sanskrit and impart in one, a balance of spirituality along with modern education. The swami also offered spiritual guidance to over a thousand young students.
6. Modern Science
Modern education too was given emphasis and the late Swami encouraged modern education without any qualms. There was zero intolerance or discrimination but a healthy encouragement for rationalism and service to all.
7. Unending Humanitarianism
Shivakumara Swami never stopped his humanitarianism even when he was over a hundred years of age. His heart and mind always yearned to serve the public more.
8. Care and love
It is hard to quantify such selfless love and care the swami showed to the poor and needy. His selfless service has always touched hearts and has made a positive impact on thousands of children.
9. Other awards
The swami received the Karnataka Ratna in 2015 and the Padma Bhushan in 2015 for his social service. It seems to be just a matter of time before the Bharat Ratna is also conferred on the great swami. The awards themselves gain great merit when awarded to the deserving.
10. The Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is an award that is given “in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order, without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex”. The Swamiji was a manifestation of the above statement and his service continues to impact so many lives. The entire state is in mourning for the next three days over the swami’s demise. We hope that the Bharat Ratna is conferred swiftly for such a worthy individual whose actions have gone beyond the call of duty.
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