He does not mind even if others treat him with disdain for actions that at times border on whimsicality. Also, he is not afraid of courting controversy be it the unceremonious anointment or the summary removal of Nithyananda as junior pontiff or his perceived proximity to political wheeler dealers. He is serious about his ideas.
“I go by what the Almighty bids me to do,” says the 292nd head of Madurai Adheenam Sri Arunagirinatha Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya Swamigal in his characteristic demeanour.
This seer, who was a journalist prior to becoming an ascetic, easily travels from spirituality to politics through sociology and economics. Repeatedly hailing Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, he puts even the core AIADMK worker to shame as seen at the election campaign meeting he addressed in Karur recently.
Asked how he could balance spirituality and politics, the seer told The Hindu that neither could exist without the other. “I’m an eligible voter and I have been voting all along. I see no wrong in doing justice to both,” he says.
Does he feel any qualm in openly supporting a political party? The ascetic says there is absolutely no trepidation or unease on his part when he supports Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
“I’ll be happy if Puratchi Thalaivi Amma emerges triumphant in her bid to become Prime Minister,” retorts the saffron-clad, rudraksha-adorning “ascetic” who is openly soliciting votes for the AIADMK candidates. The seer welcomes other ascetics and mutt heads to air their views on political situations and participate in active politicsAsked about the mutual benefit to him and the AIADMK out of his campaign, the Adheenam hastens to say there is no quid pro quo involved.
“Our in-depth knowledge of comparative religion and attractive discourses that draw on the messages of messiahs like Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammed would be of great help to Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. There is no expectation on my part and it’s a voluntary support,” he promises.
