Mangalore, August 28: Former Union Minister B Janardhana Poojary called upon the Billava community to completely shun the inhuman attitude of boycotting widows for rituals and auspicious occasions.
Speaking at the scholarship distribution programme organised by Billavas Dubai and Northern Emirates (BDNE) at Shri Adhyaksha Koragappa Memorial Hall, Shri Gokarnanatha Kshetra's Kudroli Temple Complex here on Sunday, Mr Poojary said widows deserve respect from all.
He said educating and respecting women and staying away from blind beliefs are the two important ways for the development of any downtrodden community.
Recalling the contributions of social reformer Sri Narayana Guru for the upliftment of backward communities, he said that the former had left behind a message and an example to all downtrodden people.
“The life and messages of Narayana Guru still inspires people to live in peace and maintain brotherhood,” he added.
Jaya C Suvarna, President of Billawa Maha Mandala, said that the concern shown by the non-resident Indians needs appreciation. “They have contributed a part of their earnings for the upliftment of the community brethren,” he said.
On the occasion, scholarships worth Rs 9.14 lakh were distributed among deserving students. A total of 235 students belonging to various courses including MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, BE, CA, MA, Diploma Engineering, graduation courses, ITI, Nursing, SSLC and PUC were among the beneficiaries.
Of them 220 students were presented with scholarships, seven students were conferred with talent awards. And a sum of Rs 1, 85,000 was also distributed for medical treatment of the eight students suffering from various ailments.
H S Sairam, President of Shri Kshetra Kudroli, Vasudeva Kotian, Chairman of Bharat Co-operative Bank, Mumbai and Krishnappa Poojary, Principal of Narayana Guru Pre-university College were present among others.
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