100-year-old pontiff receives Karnataka Ratna

The chief pontiff of Siddaganga Math Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, who turned 100 on Sunday, was conferred with Karnataka Ratna, the highest award of the State, at a function held on the frontal steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore.

Giving away the award, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said the Swamiji had carved a niche for himself by providing free shelter, food and education to thousands of children from all sections of the society. The revered pontiff had dedicated himself to the cause of mankind’s welfare since the last six decades.

The centenarian seer, who heads 125 educational institutions across the state, has been providing free food under the Akshara Dasoha scheme to 8,000 children from poor families every day to help them pursue education. An estimated 30 per cent of the children are destitutes.

Speaking after receiving the award, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji said he had no desire for the award and was not happy with it. But, he added that he was accepting the award following an appeal from his followers, students, writers and others. The award comprised a golden plaque, a citation and a shawl.

The Karnataka Ratna award has so far been bestowed upon only five other individuals including Jnanpith awardee Kuvempu, Kannada matinee idol Kuvempu, late Chief Minister S Nijalingappa, scientist C N R Rao and musician Bhimsen Joshi.

Earlier on Sunday, the pontiff was greeted by thousands of people at the Siddaganga Math at Tumkur near here. The seer’s fans included thousands of students from pre-primary to post graduate institutions run by the Siddaganga Math.