Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates New Facilities at Sri Krishna Math, Conferred ‘Bharata Lakshmi’ Title

Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates New Facilities at Sri Krishna Math, Conferred ‘Bharata Lakshmi’ Title

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, August 9, 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the blessings of gurus, elders, pontiffs, and the Lord, has been steering India through numerous challenges towards becoming one of the world’s most powerful nations. She was speaking after inaugurating the newly built artistic cloister (Suttu Pouli) in the traditional coastal architectural style at Sri Krishna Math and the Sri Puthige Women’s Vidyapeetha at the Gita Mandir, organised by Paryaya Sri Puthige Math at the Rajangana.

Recalling her earlier visits to Udupi, Sitharaman said she continues to worship the Balakrishna idol gifted to her by the Adamaru Math pontiff during the 2004 Paryaya. “It is only by Krishna’s blessings that all my achievements have been possible,” she said, adding that divine grace and decisive governance were helping India face global challenges and emerge stronger.

Infosys Foundation founder Sudha Narayan Murthy, the chief guest, praised Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji for spreading Hinduism and Indian culture worldwide. She urged women to break mental barriers, recognise their boundless potential, and use it for the betterment of family and society.

Former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice J. Dinesh Kumar presided over the function, while Coimbatore-based industrialist Ravi Sam was specially honoured. Blessings were delivered by Sri Vishwapriya Tirtha Swamiji of Adamaru Math and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puthige Math. Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary and MLA Yashpal Suvarna were present.

The new cloister extends from the Kanaka Gopura to the Madhva Sarovara, including the Chandrasale, constructed at a cost of about ₹1 crore. The Women’s Vidyapeetha aims to provide religious education for women.

‘Bharata Lakshmi’ Honour
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Sitharaman was conferred the honorary title “Bharata Lakshmi” at Sri Krishna Math. The honour was bestowed by Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji and formally presented by Sri Vishwapriya Tirtha Swamiji. The event also saw the inauguration of a new yali (traditional sculptural lion motif) in the temple premises.

Describing Sitharaman as the “Goddess of Fortune” for the nation, Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji lauded her Union Budgets and vision for economic growth, expressing confidence that, with Lord Krishna’s blessings and her leadership, India would emerge as a global economic power.