Udupi: The much awaited coffee table book “A Day with the Saint- Then and Now”, by senior photojournalist Astro Mohan was released at the Sri Krishna Mutt here on Saturday, April 27.
The book, that was formally released by Mallepuram G Venkatesh, Former Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Sanskrit University, depicts Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji from the Pejawar Mutt days with his engagement in various activities during the Paryaya in 2002 and 2018, that was captured by Mohan.
After releasing the book, Venkatesh pointed out some of the characteristics of Sri Veshwesha Theertha Swamiji. He said that the Swamiji has four personalities- cultural, religious, social and personal. It is difficult to put the SwamijiSwamiji’s personalities onto pages but one photo is worth 10 to 15 pages. We can see several faces of the Swamiji in thousands of few photos, he said.
Capturing a photo is an art and Mohan has an enormous talent when it comes to capturing photos compared to an ordinary person.
In his address, Pejawar Swamiji thanked Astro Mohan for making an outstanding book on him. “I have no role in this programme and I am just an audience here,” he said.
The Swamiji appreciated Mohan’s handiwork and said that it made him emotional. He then said that he would pray for him to get recognition at the international level.
Astro Mohan said that it was his dream to capture the Swamiji’s routine and wanted him to remain as a long-lasting personality in scripture. “Today, after 19 years, my dream has been fulfilled,” he said and thanked all those who helped him publish the book.
As it was the 88th birthday of Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji, all dignitaries showered flowers on him as a sign of their love.
Paryaya Shri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji of the Palimar Mutt blessed the occasion. Dr. Mohan Alva Chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri, Dr. H S Ballal Pro Chancellor of Manipal University and Vinod Kumar CEO, Manipal Media Network Ltd. spoke on the occasion.
Dr. Sandhya S Pai, Managing Editor of Taranga presided over the programme and also spoke during the occasion.
Earlier, Astro Mohan welcomed the gathering. Janardhan Kodavoor, Trustee, UPPA Trust proposed a vote of thanks. Vasudev Bhat compeered the programme.
