Spiritual leaders to support anti-alcohol drive

BANGALORE: Spiritual and religious leaders from across the State are coming forward to join hands to support anti-alcohol drive of the Karnataka State Temperance Board (KSTB).A two-day round table conference has been organised by KSTB from January 11 in association with Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, National Service Scheme and Karnataka State Law University, where more than 40 spiritual and religiousleaders are expected to participate.Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Bangalore, Sachidananda Hegde, President to KSTB said that this is a first of its kind initiative, where spiritual and religious leaders are joining hands with the Board. The purpose of the conference is to  discuss the social responsibility of spiritual and  religious leaders in this age where more number of people are addicted to alcohol and drugs.Further, Sachidananda said that Belthangady Janajagruthi Vedike for which Dr Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala is the Honorary President, so far has conducted anti-alcohol drive through which more than 40,000 people have given up drinking. While Mahantesha Swamiji of Ilkal is going to personally visit villages in and around his place for spreading de-addication message, Shivamurthy Shivacharya of Sirigere mutt is also conducting anti-alcohol and anti-drug drive. “We are spreading these messages during the conference, so that other spiritual and religious leaders will follow the same to make our society free from such  habits,” he said.Doctors from NIMHANS, representatives from Alcoholics Anonymous - Bangalore, a De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre and psychiatrists will give presentations to convince spiritual and religious leaders.On January 11 at Gandhi Bhavan, Shivakumara swamiji of Siddaganaga Mutt will inaugurate the conference. CM D V Sadananda Gowda will also be present. On January 12, Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt will deliver the valedictory speech. Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and secretary to KSTB Dinesh will be present.