Hassan: The Dharmasthala family has undertaken the construction of a 54-room hostel for around 200 students of Kalaladevi Kanyashrama at Gommatashwara Vidyapeetha, Sri Dhavalatheertham, near Shravanabelagola.The hostel, built in memory of Ratnamma under the guidance of Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and Hema V Heggade, will be well equipped.Speaking at the groundbreaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony for the hostel, Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami of the Digambara Jain Matt, Shravanabelagola, said girls should be provided not only with education but also with knowledge, religious values and life skills to help them realise their dreams and lead independent lives.Highlighting the importance of women in Indian culture, he said society revered the earth as Bhoomatha, India as Bharatamba and Karnataka as Kannadaamba. Rivers, nature and trees were also regarded as mother figures, while Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati symbolised wealth and knowledge.Despite this cultural heritage, he said, hesitation towards girls’ education remained unfortunate, stressing the need to empower girls through education and self-reliance.Education should not merely help students secure employment but also develop their confidence, personality, values and ability to lead a cultured life, he added.D Surendra Kumar and Anitha Surendra Kumar of the Dharmasthala family, and former MLC MA Gopalaswamy were present.BOX-Students visit Chandragiri HillFirst-year PUC students of SN Pre-University College visited Chandragiri Chikkabetta Wednesday as part of an educational visit. Speaking during the visit, principal S Dinesh said students should learn history not only through textbooks but also by experiencing the historical, religious and cultural heritage of their land.Chandragiri Hill is an important centre of Jain heritage, known for its ancient Jain temples, stone inscriptions and distinctive architecture. The inscriptions provide valuable
