Dharmasthala : The 80th Sarva Dharma Sammelan organised at Amrithavarshini Auditorium in Dharmasthala on December 11, Tuesday in connection with the Lakshadeepotsava of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala was inaugurated by former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Hegde emphasized the need  to understand the essence of all religions. It was the lack of basic knowledge regarding religion that many a times led to disturbance in the society, he added and said no religion advocated violence. Peace is the Moolamantra of all religions, he said and added he would strive for the cause of peace along with his crusade against corruption.

Justice Hegde also launched the redesigned website of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala www.shridharmasthala.org  on the occasion.

Dr Prasanna Venkatacharyar Vathurvedi Swamiji of Sri Ramanujam Mission Trust, Chennai, who presided over the function  urged people to uphold noble virtues.

 Fr PK Jacob  of Dharwad and Abdussalam Puttige , Chief Editor of Vartha Bharathi spoke on  Dharma Samanvaya Drishti in Christianity and Islam respectively.

 Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala,  welcomed the gathering and said the message of universal love and peace was the need of the hour. He also emphasized the need for a spiritual awakening in the society.

 D Surendra Kumar,  Prof. S Prabhaker, Vice President of SDM Educational Institutions were among those present on the occasion.