Merit students felicitated, wheelchairs distributed at Jayanthi Mahotsava

Sivarathri Rajendra Swami transformed the traditional role of the Suttur Mutt into a powerful movement for social change through education, healthcare and public service, said noted scholar D.S. Sadashiva Murthy.

Speaking at the 111th Jayanthi Mahotsava of the Jagadguru at the JSS Technical Institutions campus here, Prof. Murthy said the Seer’s contributions assumed greater significance considering the widespread poverty, hunger and illiteracy prevalent during the pre- and post-Independence periods.

Recognising education and food security as vital tools to combat poverty, the Seer established free hostels for talented students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. “These initiatives helped transform the lives of thousands of families,” he said.

Prof. Murthy, in his speech, said the Seer extended educational and residential facilities to students irrespective of caste or religion, reflecting Basavanna’s ideals of equality and social justice.