MYSORE: Pejawar Seer Sri Viswesha Theertha inaugurated the nine-day Dasara festival - a tradition in place for more than four centuries - atop the Chamundi Hill on Wednesday.The seer was accompanied by Chief Minister D V Sadananada Gowda, Gowda’s wife Datty, District in-charge Minister S A Ramadas, Mayor Pushpalatha Chikkanna among others, when he inaugurated the festivities by showering flowers on an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed in a silver chariot, at Tula Lagna (9.25 am).The seer, who had launched a crusade against social evils such as untouchability, called for an end to the atrocities against dalits and terrorism. “People should turn into lions to fight against social evils during Dasara, which is celebrated as a mark of victory of good over evil,” he said. The seer stated that Karnataka should be a model for the country on governance, while expressing his reservation over acquisition of agricultural land. In what seemed a pointed jab at the government, the seer claimed that benefits of government programmes are not reaching the common man due to corrupt officials. “Corrupt officials are like Raktabeejasuras who need to be cleansed by Goddess Durga to put the state on the path of progress and prosperity,” the seer asserted. He urged the government to play the role of Lord Krishna in protecting Bhuvaneswari and not plunder its natural resources.The seer recalled the teachings of the philosopher Basavanna and the poet Pampa on building caste-less society. Kannadigas, he averred, must be known as a peace-loving people and not develop the urge to dominate or invade others.He said that the CM’s wish to deliver corruption-free governance will come true in the days to come.Earlier, the seer and CM were extended a poornakumba welcome by women carrying the kalasa, and by folk troupes atop the Chamundi Hill. He made a visit to the temple prior to the inaugural.District in-chrage Minister S A Ramadas said that the state government decided to invite the Pejawar seer on the occasion due to his commitment to build a caste-less society. He told that the Seer will take part in a “Harmony Dasara” which will be attended by heads of other religions, and the Parivarthana Dasara at Mysore Jail where he will present “Bagina” to women prisoners.
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