Gurudev's talk at Hampi - 29 Jan 2010

Prepared by Mr.P.Srinivas, AOL

It was the closing ceremony of the third day function to celebrate the 500th year of coronation of King Krishna Devaraya .

It is not verbatim as HE spoke in Kannada and I was typing away in English!

We have a lot to learn from our culture, tradition and history - they form our roots. Only when we strengthen our roots can we (tree) grow big and strong.
There is a University that is being set up here and in Bellary and it is very good. India used to be the land of higher education in ancient times through Takshila, Nalanda universities. But nowadays we send our children to study in places like Australia where they are slapped and sent back! We should all send our children to Universities here in India. We have to save the various cultures and traditions prevalent in India today, in different places. Normally all over the world, people celebrate the death of a king or the end of a kingdom but India is the only place where a democratic Government is celebrating the 500th year of coronation of a great King - King Krishna Devaraya - our land, our people celebrate diversity and goodness. (I loved the pride with which HE said the above sentence - it was so inspiring!). Whenever Krishna Devaraya defeated any king, he would anoint that defeated king's son to the throne - that showed his greatness.

We have celebrated these 3 days but we can’t just leave and forget about it. Let us take a Sankalpa for a few things before we leave:

1. End discrimination based on caste/race or any form. All the great saints have fought against it - Adi Shankaracharya, Basavanna - everyone. Let us end it now.
2. Maintain hygiene - lets clear Hampi of all plastic. It shouldn't be said that people came and littered the place and went. Never mind even if its someone else's plate or plastic. (HE mentioned that its OK even if its jhoota - HE said that Goddess Lakshmi will come and sit with those who clean other's plates/jhoota). Clean and clear it. We Indians (Kannadigas, Telugu people) should spread joy, happiness, culture and smile wherever we go and not the dirt and plastic. Wherever you see plastic, collect it all and go home and throw it in dustbin.
3. We should send our children to study in Universities in India and encourage it, rather than abroad.

I am very happy that the organizers have arranged such a brilliant show in such a short time. I congratulate all the people who have been instrumental for this. A lot of people work in the background always.