UDUPI, September 12th: Deputy leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, said that everything Lord Krishna did was to achieve comprehensive and inclusive welfare of everyone in the world. Lord Rama was known for observing principles of righteousness.

Udupi is located in the Indian state of Karnataka and is home of the famous Udupi Sri Krishna temple.

Speaking on the importance of the month-long celebration held at Udupi Sri Krishna Temple on Friday September 11, she said that right from the childhood activities of Lord Krishna, such as stealing curds or speaking the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ to Arjuna when the latter was confused about his duties, were all driven by the motive of achieving the welfare of everyone.

Former union minister and Bangalore South MP Anant Kumar wanted this Sri Krishna celebration to become a public festival.

"Young people are forgetting the rich culture of the nation and the message of ‘Bhagavad Gita’ left by Lord Krishna", he said expressing his hope that the celebration of Krishna’s birthday will also be held at the schools and colleges.

"The country is caught in the mighty grip of the ‘Kalinga Sarpa (huge serpent that was tamed by Lord krishna)’ of economic downslide, terrorism and the attack of the western culture on our culture. If this ‘Kalinga Sarpa’ is to be annihilated along with other problems like poverty and corruption, Lord Krishna has to incarnate again. Like the freedom struggle, Rama Janmabhoomi campaign and the JP revolt against emergency, we need another national level movement to crush the problems gripping the country," he concluded the speach.

Paryaya Puttige Temple head Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji delivered the message on the occasion of Lord Krishna’s birthday. Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Shirur Temple, Sri Raghumanyateertha Swamiji of Bheemanakatte Temple, Sri Raghuvarendrateertha Swamiji, MLA K Raghupati Bhat, ‘Taranga’ Kannada weekly executive editor Sandhya Pai and various other dignitaries were present.