On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Shivakumara Swamiji of Tumakuru’s Siddaganga Mutt on his 118th birth anniversary. Remembering him as a beacon of compassion and selfless service, Modi highlighted Swamiji’s lasting impact on society.
Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said,
“Heartfelt tributes to His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Swamigalu on the special occasion of his Jayanti. He is remembered as a beacon of compassion and tireless service. He showed how selfless action can transform society.”
Along with this message, Modi shared a 1.17-minute video, reflecting on his personal encounters with Swamiji. The video, titled “Pujya Swamiji has been a guiding light, illuminating the path for society”, highlighted his dedication to education, spirituality, and social welfare.
Who was Shivakumara Swamiji?
Born on April 1, 1907, in Veerapura, Magadi Taluk, near Bengaluru, Shivakumara Swamiji was originally named Shivanna. He was one of 12 siblings, and after losing his mother at the age of 8, he developed a deep inclination towards spirituality.
He pursued his early education in his village before moving to Bengaluru for his Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he embraced monastic life and eventually became the ‘peethadipati’ (pontiff) of Siddaganga Mutt, a role he held for 76 years.
Championing education for the underprivileged
Shivakumara Swamiji was a firm believer in education as a tool for transformation. To support this vision, he established the Sri Siddaganga Education Society, which provided thousands of underprivileged students, especially those from villages, with free education, food, and shelter.
His contributions to the field of education were remarkable. Fluent in Kannada, English, and Sanskrit, he personally taught English and Sanskrit at the Mutt’s institutions, maintaining strict discipline and high academic standards.
A life honored with prestigious awards
For his exceptional service, Shivakumara Swamiji received some of the highest honors, including:
Karnataka Ratna – The highest civilian award of Karnataka.
Padma Bhushan – One of India’s most prestigious national honors.
Recalling his interactions with the revered Swamiji, Modi said,
“He devoted the energy of every cell of his being to the nation. I had the privilege of sitting near his feet and meeting him. Once again, I bow down in reverence to him.”
Shivakumara Swamiji’s legacy continues to guide generations in the fields of education, spirituality, and social service.
