TUMKUR: A controversy is brewing over the selection of Pejawar Seer Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji for an honorary doctorate by the Tumkur University.
When some dalit organisations, supported by statelevel 'progressive' ideologues, including critic Nataraj, opposed the varsity's decision, dalit poet K B Siddaiah came out strongly in defence of the seer.
The seer, in fact, had visited his house at his invitation recently.
Siddaiah told Express that it was foolish to oppose the honorary doctorate to the seer merely because he was the religious head of a Madhwa Brahmin mutt. Why did the socalled dalit organisations not raise objections as the varsity will also confer the honorary doctorate on Lakshmana Das, a dalit? he questioned.
Some organisations which take up issues in the interest of the dalits have indulged in the propaganda for their own mileage, he averred.
He clarified that he would continue to oppose the seer's stance supporting the BJPled state government's policies, including the AntiCow Slaughter Bill.
Decision welcomed
Vipra Jagruthi Vedike, welcoming the decision, said that it was a privilege for Tumkur University to honour the seer who has been contributing to social harmony with his revolutionary programmes for dalits and backward classes. By opposing it, some prejudiced minds had been creating social unrest, Vedike president G K Srinivas stated in a press release.
He observed that all the six dignitaries who were selected for the doctorates deserved it.
Hindu Jagaran Vedike
Hindu Jagarana Vedike convener G S Basavaraju, while welcoming the move, likened the seer's efforts to bring social harmony with that of Basavanna. Some pseudo progressive thinkers have been opposing the seer, he rued.
Dharna
Dalit activists led by M D Dodde Gowda, BSP leader Rajasimha and others stated that they would stage a daylong dharna on December 4.