Udupi— “Theories must be won through argument, not aggression — this is crucial for preserving our society, nation, religion, and truth,” said Karnataka High Court Justice Vedavyasacharya Srishananda. He was delivering the inaugural address at ‘Bannanje-90 Udupi Namana’, a tribute to Padmashri Vidyavachaspati Bannanje Govindacharya, held at the new Ravindra Mantapa, MGM College, Udupi.
Justice Srishananda hailed Bannanje as a visionary philosopher who used scriptural wisdom and deep religious insight to reconnect lost youth with cultural roots.
Dr. Harishchandra, Medical Director of Gandhi Hospital, Udupi, suggested that Bannanje’s lectures be broadcast for an hour every Saturday in schools — a proposal he said would be financially supported by the Panchami Trust and Panchalahari Foundation. “Bannanje-90 must not stop here; it should evolve into ‘Bannanje Infinity,’” he added.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Taranga Managing Editor Sandhya Pai, Senior Scientist Prof. K.P. Rao, Udupi MGM College Principal Prof. Vanitha Mayya, and former MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
Also present were Veena Bannanje, head of the Govindacharya Pratishthan; Committee President Vishwanath Shenoy; and Foundation President Mallepuram G. Venkatesh, who gave the keynote address.
Astro Mohan, the committee’s general secretary, delivered the welcome speech, and Poornima Janardhan compered the event.