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The demise of the revered 111-year-old seer of the Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka’s Tumakuru, Shivakumara Swamiji on Monday, has left a huge void in public life in Karnataka.
Not only his followers, his death has left many political leaders across the spectrum grief-stricken. A one-day state holiday has been issued on account of his demise.
From PM Narendra Modi to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, all took to Twitter to mourn his loss.
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy who had cancelled all his commitments for the day and reached the mutt on Monday afternoon, said, “The walking god is no longer with us. The doctors treating him have informed us of his demise. The seer's body will be kept for public viewing tomorrow at 3 pm. He has contributed a lot to society. He has provided free education to thousands of poor children and has provided free meals to thousands of people for as long as he lived. I am extremely saddened by his demise.”
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, who is a Lingayat himself, expressed his grief over Siddaganga seer’s demise. “I'm extremely saddened by the demise of the walking go. The world has become poorer without him. Personally, I'm at a huge loss. I have lost a guru who guided me at any point of time, no matter the situation. I hope God gives strength to all his devotees to overcome the loss,” he said.
Expressing his grief, President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the seer’s contribution to the society, particularly towards healthcare and education.
“Swamiji inspired people to serve the society and bring positive change. His focus on spreading education & learning transformed many lives. His demise is a great loss for society,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, talking about the Lingayat seer’s demise.
“His life is a message of humanity and nobleness. May he continue to bless us with the strength to walk on the path he has shown us,” BJP President Amit Shah said, conveying his condolences.
Highlighting the seer’s service to the society, the BJP president said, he was fortunate to have received his blessings.
BJP National General Secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, the passing away of the 111-year-old seer has made the spiritual world unbelievably poor. Praising his contribution to the society, Muralidhar said, “His contribution to the society for social, cultural & its all round development is unparalleled. My tributes to the great soul.”
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