The pontiff of Madhurai Adheenam Sri la Sri Hari Hara Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya Swamigal criticised the DMK government’s interference in the religious affairs of the Hindu faith while addressing reporters on Sunday (September 5).
Addressing reporters at the 150th anniversary of V. O. Chidambaram Pillai held at Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, he said that it was not right for the Tamil Nadu government to ban Vinayaga Chathurthi celebrations and said that it was not just a Hindu festival but a national festival that signified the resistance put by Indians against he British.
”Even VOC was inspired by Tilagar (Bal Gangadhadar Tilak). Vinayagar Chaturthi is not a festival that came yesterday. The British had banned Indians from gathering in groups. At that it was Tilagar who spearheaded and made the festival grand. Vinayaga Chathurthi is a festival that instills love for the country. The government itself should come forward and celebrate this.” he said.
To a reporter’s question on the Central Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pontiff said that the Modi government is working for the welfare of all people. He said that it was during Jawaharlal Nehru’s time that Ladakh was taken off by China and Kashmir became an international issue.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good governance, he said certain bold measures by the Modi Government had restored the glory of important shrines in the country. He said that some of the neighbours were baffled and the regions Ladakh, among others had got fresh identity.
“It was only after PM Modi came that the region is getting roads and has got stabilized. Kailash had gone off our hands before. Now, we don’t need to ask permission from China to go to Kailash. This has happened because of Narendra Modi.
When asked about the DMK government’s move to appoint Temple Archakas from all castes, he said ” The government says all castes can become priests. Will the same situation apply to other religions? In every religion, there are different sects. There are different opinions among them. Therefore, it is wrong to inject all matter into one religion alone”
He also said that today’s youth are getting spoilt by cinema and politics. Considering the future of youth, the government should close TASMAC shops and find alternatives to make up revenue earnings, the Swamigal said.
He refused to comment on the 100-day performance of the DMK government, when asked about his views.
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