Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji posthumously conferred Padma Vibhushan

Udupi, Nov 08, 2021: Three achievers from the Coastal Karnataka districts were honored with Padma award on Monday.

While Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji was conferred Padma Vishubhsan (Posthumous), Harekala Hajabba from Dakshina Kannada and Tulasi Gowda from Uttara Kannada were honored with Padma Shri.

The Padma Award presentation ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.

Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji:

Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejavara Adhokshaja Matha in Udupi was a widely respected and revered spiritual leader, especially for the welfare of the downtrodden. He was also active in the Rama Janma Bhoomi movement and a senior leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

He passed away on December 29, 20219. The government had declared Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous) for his service in the field of spiritualism and social work.

On Monday Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji received the Padma Vibhushan award which was announced to his senior- Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji.

Tulasi Gowda:

Tulasi Gowda was conferred Padma Sri for her social work. Hailing from the Halakki Tribal community, she is famous as Encyclopedia of Forest because of her vast knowledge of diverse species of plants and herbs.

She is from Honnali village of Ankola Taluk and has contributed in afforestation and looked after the nurseries of the forest department for over 50 years.

Harekala Hajbba:

An illiterate fruit vendor, Hajabba was instrumental in getting a government school for his village near Mangaluru. He devoted his life towards educating poor children at his New Padpu village in Dakshina Kannada district.

As a result of his repeated request and appeals to government officials, NGOs, elected representatives, in 2001 Hajabba succeeded in opening a government Lower Primary School which later grew to Higher Primary School then a High School.

He has been honored with various awards. He is also included in the syllabus of various universities.