Ready to give life in opposition of Made Snana'

Mangalore, July 12: “The practice of 'Made Snana' that is carried out at Kukke Subramanya, Udupi and all other temples, must be abolished by the government. If required I will not hesitate to give away my life in opposition of the unconstitutional practice”, said K S Shivaramu, President, State Backward Classes Awareness Forum.

Addressing mediapersons at a press meet in Mangalore on Thursday, Mr. Shivaramu said that if the government does not abolish the practice, an intense agitation will be carried out by progressive people and organisations at Kukke Subramanya.

'Made Snana' is a practice that makes the modern civilisation hang its head in shame. That Pejawar Shree Vishweshateertha Swamiji supports it is disheartening, he said.

'Define Hindu please'

Giving a new interpretation to 'Made Snana' is a tactic that is being used by the clergy to ensure that the practice continues, Mr. Shivaramu said. He said that Pejawar Shree does not have the right to talk about Hindus when caste discrimination is taking place in his own mutt and temples such as Kukke Subramanya. Pejawar Shree must define as to who a Hindu is and what is the criterion to be called a Hindu, he said.

Mr. Shivaramu said on the occasion that if Pejawar Shree is honest in his concern for Malekudiyas, why did he not raise his voice when Vittala Malekudiya, a student, was put behind bars for alleged naxal links? If he really cares for the Malekudiyas, the Swamiji must allow them to be a part of the temple administration and become Mutt pontiffs by granting them 'deeksha'.

Appeal to be made to CM again

Mr. Shivaramu said that former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had given an assurance that 'Made Snana' would be abolished within two months but it has remained unfulfilled. Owing to political developments in the state, there has been a change of guard at the Chief Ministerial position. A fresh appeal to abolish the practice would be made to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, he said.