A P J Abdul Kalam

His Excellency, The President of India, Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam was the Chief Guest during the 100th Birthday and Guruvandana Celebrations of His Holiness, Dr. Sree Sree Sivakumra Swamiji held on 8th April 2007, at Sree Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur. Dr. Kalam recalling his earlier visit to Sree Siddaganga Mutt in 2006, showered his admirable reverences once again on Sree Sree Swamiji and said a message of "Giving" came to his mind which he shared with the audience. On this occasion the President composed a poem on the theme and recited it before a packed audience present on that occasion. Further, His Excellency, The President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, gave this message of "Giving" to the Members of the Indian Parliament on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the First War of Independence, New Delhi, on 10-05-2007. In the following terms.

Honourable President's speech in Hindi

Again, on 23-05-2007, His Excellency, repeated this message at the presentation ceremony of Kabir Puraskar and National Communal Harmony Awards at New Delhi, in the following terms; Radiating message on Giving : "His Holiness Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamiji of Sree Siddaganga Math of Tumkur is an example of spreading the message of "giving". He has been on a tireless mission of socio-economic development and eradication of inequalities in education. He saw education and alleviation of hunger among the masses as an effective means to enrich human capacity which in turn would contribute to national reconstruction. His Holiness Sree Swamiji has followed the footprints of his Guru of providing free boarding home to the students which is now serving the needs of over 8,000 students. In addition 2000 pilgrims and visitors in the Math are also provided food every day. During the last Seven decades Sree Swamiji is the founder of well over 125 educational institutions ranging from nursery to institutions of technology, pure sciences, arts, management, vocational training and performing arts". "During the 100th birthday of His Holiness Sree Sree Shivakumara Swamiji - a message of "Giving" came to my mind celebrating his contribution, which I would like to share with you"

Continuing further the President said; " I have come across many incidents where people have, irrespective of their normal professional affiliations, have come forward for great societal missions by giving. Our educational system should lay foundation among the young for evolving a conflict free, happy life resulting in an attitude of "giving" and "giving". Let this tribe of citizens grow and grow".

Address by President APJ Abdul Kalam on the ocassion of 99th Birthday celeberations

The Swamiji has imparted spiritual guidance to all and helped people and enlightened life, stressing the need to teach moral science in schools and colleges. Swamiji had established hundreds of educational institutions where every teachers had been trained in imparting moral education based on Indian culture and heritage. I find here the best of teachers who love teaching, the reason is simple a sage is presiding over these institutions.

The efforts of the Swamiji in steering a great mission of imparting Education to million of the poor students, there was no place for pettiness in the system of education adopted. It was turned to enhance self respect of an indivual and aimed at creating a beautiful and happy world.

I am seeing in our country, a great Sage, who has been performing 'Tapas' for the last 75 years. Through the intense Tapas, he has freed himself from passion, anger, love and hate. Presence of such great souls in the country, spreads peace and promotes spiritual prosperity. He is a beacon light that attracts and spreads the spiritual message to the people and soceity.