Mysuru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar Saturday hailed Suttur Mutt’s contribution to education and Dasoha, saying Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji made outstanding contributions to education, social service and spirituality.Speaking at the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of the seer at Suttur Mutt, Shivakumar said: “Power is not a throne. It is an opportunity given to serve the people.”He also announced the proposed ‘Tegada Siri’ scheme, aimed at promoting teak cultivation while providing farmers with an additional source of income. Under the scheme, the forest department will distribute one crore teak saplings free of cost annually for three years. Timber revenue will be shared on a 70:30 ratio between landowners and the govt, with the larger share going to landowners.Former chief minister Siddaramaiah said Rajendra Mahaswamiji worked for social reform and opposed caste discrimination. He said Suttur Mutt had built a strong reputation in education and Dasoha and called for renewed efforts to eliminate caste-based inequality.Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said the seer placed education at the heart of social development. He noted that JSS institutions now serve more than one lakh students across 375 institutions, reflecting the seer’s enduring vision.MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar also recalled the seer’s contributions and appreciated the services of the present Suttur Seer, Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji.Mekedatu preparations under wayShivakumar also said preparations had begun to implement the Mekedatu drinking water and irrigation project, following the Supreme Court’s observations on Karnataka’s right to utilise its share of Cauvery water within the state.He said the proposed reservoir would submerge about 5,400 hectares of forest land and that alternative forest land was being identified. A dedicated wing has been created for the project, while preparations are on to submit the required applications and documents to the Union govt.
