Nitish Kumar, Mohan Bhagwat share dais at 'yagna' in Bihar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday took part in a "yagna" organised in Bhojpur district of Bihar to mark the 1,000th birth anniversary of Ramanujacharya on October 4 and addressed Hindu priests and devotees.

Speaking at the yagna, Nitish Kumar said: "The Bihar government has been working for material as well as social development. We first imposed a total liquor ban and now have launched a campaign against child marriage and dowry."

He said a strong message against child marriage and dowry would be sent to the entire country by thousands of "Vidwans" (learned persons) participating in the event.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Bhagwat said there was no place for "jaat-paat" in the Sanatan religion. "This is not our tradition. We have to rise above caste and have to think about all and treat all equally."

Bhagwat said the path shown by the ancestors should be followed and everyone should follow religion.

It was first time that Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister attended a function in which Mohan Bhagwat was also present.

He had strongly criticised the RSS chief when the latter gave his statement pertaining to a review of the reservation policy ahead of the Bihar Assembly election in October-November 2015.

The millennial yagna began last week and will conclude on Thursday.

Saint Ramanujacharya was a Hindu theologian-philosopher, born in 1017 AD in Perumbudur of Tamil Nadu.

According to organisers, about 10 million devotees have attended it so far.

--IANS

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