Udupi: President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday that there should be an “increased bond of love and understanding” among people.

He was speaking after visiting the Pejawar Mutt and the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple here. He said that God had created several living creatures, but human beings were the best of them.

“It is necessary that human beings have love and compassion for one another. Though God is called by several names, his form remains the same,” he said.

Mr. Kovind said that he had been planning to visit the Sri Krishna Mutt for some time now. He expressed delight at seeing the Pejawar seer being so active even now.

“May the seer complete 100 years. May he contribute more to the religious and social fields.”

He also said that Ram Rajya was the ideal State. “It is a model on how citizens should be treated and administration should be provided. If this ideal is followed, the world will be a happy place to live in,” Mr. Kovind said.

The Pejawar seer expressed his happiness at Mr. Kovind visiting the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple. He explained the history of the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple and the installation of the idol of Lord Krishna at the temple by the exponent of Dwaita philosophy Sri Madhwacharya. He also explained the biennial Paryaya system followed by the eight mutts or Ashta Mutts of Udupi.

Governor Vajubhai Vala, Governor of Nagaland P.B. Acharya and Women and Child Development Minister Jaimala accompanied Mr. Kovind during his visit.

Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Palimar Mutt and Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swami, junior seer of Pejawar Mutt, were present.

Earlier, Mr. Kovind was given a traditional welcome both at the Pejawar Mutt and Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple.