Mysuru
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the districts of Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru on Sunday, where he took part in a series of religious and cultural events celebrating Karnataka’s rich heritage.
In the morning, the Vice President attended a special program at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district to commemorate the visit of Acharya Sri 108 Shanti Sagar Maharaj. During the event, he unveiled a 10-foot-tall statue of the revered Jain saint and inaugurated a name plaque on the life of the Acharya, along with dedicating the newly recognized fourth hillock, Shanthigiri, to the public.
Speaking on the occasion, Radhakrishnan described Karnataka as a sacred land that has long protected India’s culture, tradition, and spirituality. “Shravanabelagola represents peace, sacrifice, and the essence of Jain culture. Jain Dharma has made immense contributions to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage,” he said.
He also praised the contributions of Karmayogi Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamy, who played a vital role in Shravanabelagola’s development, particularly in education and health. “He opened the doors to Jain literature by establishing the Prakrit Study and Research Institute,” Radhakrishnan noted. He also lauded the present seer, Abhinava Charukeerthi Swamy, for continuing that legacy and spreading the teachings of Acharya Shanti Sagar Maharaj.
Later, the Vice President visited Sri Cheluvanarayanaswamy Temple at Melkote in Mandya district, where he offered prayers. In the afternoon, he attended the annual convocation ceremony of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysuru and later visited Suttur Mutt, a renowned spiritual center in the region.
Radhakrishnan concluded his day by offering obeisance to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru, reaffirming his respect for Karnataka’s diverse traditions and its role in preserving India’s spiritual essence.
