Siddharth Sethia
P
overty never befalls those who work diligently,says Bommai
Bengaluru: Sri Siddharameshwara created miracles through his dedicated hard work.Poverty never befalls those who work diligently, said former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
Speaking at the 852nd birth anniversary celebration of Guru Siddharameshwara organized by the Nolamba Lingayat Association at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru,he inaugurated the literary session and shared his thoughts.
He said their community boasts a divine heritage.The 12th century saw the creation of numerous revered saints, among whom Sri Siddharameshwara stood distinct, adhering to the philosophy of hard work championed by Basavanna.
Sri Siddharameshwara,even in his childhood,exhibited extraordinary wisdom and conduct,embodying all the qualities of a miraculous figure.He received the blessings of Sri Shaila Mallikarjuna.
When Mallikarjuna came seeking alms and was denied, he disappeared.In response,Siddharameshwara undertook penance at Sri Shaila to earn Mallikarjuna’s grace.Through his devotion and relentless effort,Sri Siddharameshwara created wonders.
Work is worship
Saying that no prayer is greater than one’s diligent work, Bommai said even advised not to halt one’s labour,even in the presence of the divine.
Inspired by this philosophy,Siddharameshwara performed miracles through his hard work.During a drought in Solapur,he gathered 4,000 saints and constructed a lake,which still holds water to this day.
Hard work,according to Siddharameshwara,was not merely for livelihood but for attaining perfection.
The MP stressed the importance of water and irrigation for farmers, imparting lessons on the value of soil and life.
Among the Nolamba community,the ethos of hard work runs in their blood,shielding them from poverty and misfortune.The community has the resilience to overcome hardships.
Praise for Madhuswamy’s efforts
The former CM said he have had the privilege of working with former minister J.C. Madhuswamy and former MP Basavaraju for over two decades.
Madhuswamy has achieved significant milestones in the minor irrigation department.His work in Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, and Hassan districts is commendable.
Madhuswamy is a prominent leader of Chikkanayakanahalli,and both he and former MP Basavaraju have tirelessly fought for Hemavati River water.
As the Minister of Water Resources, Bommai took pride in having worked for the benefit of the Nolamba region by filling lakes and initiating irrigation projects.
The Goruru-Hebburu Lift Irrigation Project, which had been stalled for 30 years, was completed in just 18 months,with its inauguration performed by revered seers like Shivakumara Swamiji and Balagangadhara Nath Swamiji.
Bommai expressed satisfaction at having brought irrigation to approximately 7.75 lakh acres of land during his tenure.
He emphasized the need to educate the younger generation about the literature and values of saints, especially amidst the growing influence of Western culture.
Understanding the distinction between civilization and culture is essential to preserving our heritage, he said, adding that events like Siddharameshwara Jayanti play a significant role in this mission.
The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Siddalinga Swamiji of Siddaganga Math, Jnanaprabhu Swamiji of Arsikere, Shivashankar Shivayogi Mahaswamiji, former ministers J.C. Madhuswamy, Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, C.T. Ravi, retired DGP Shankar Bidari, and several other dignitaries.