Udupi— Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the blessings of saints, elders, and the Lord, is guiding India through challenges towards becoming a global power. She was speaking after inaugurating the newly built artistic cloister (Suttu Pouli) in traditional coastal architecture at Sri Krishna Math, and the Sri Puthige Women’s Vidyapeetha at Gita Mandir, organised by Paryaya Sri Puthige Math.
Recalling her earlier visits, Sitharaman said she still worships the Balakrishna idol gifted to her by the Adamaru Math pontiff in 2004, crediting Krishna’s blessings for her achievements. She said divine grace and strong governance were enabling India to face global challenges and grow stronger.
Infosys Foundation founder Sudha Murty praised Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji for spreading Hinduism and urged women to break mental barriers and harness their potential for family and society.
Former Karnataka HC Chief Justice J. Dinesh Kumar presided over the event, with blessings from Sri Vishwapriya Tirtha Swamiji and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji. The new cloister, built at a cost of ₹1 crore, stretches from Kanaka Gopura to Madhva Sarovara, while the Women’s Vidyapeetha aims to impart religious education to women.
On Raksha Bandhan, Sitharaman was conferred the honorary title “Bharata Lakshmi” by Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, who hailed her as the “Goddess of Fortune” for India, praising her Budgets and vision for economic growth.