Rajnath Singh expresses sadness over Siddaganga Mutt Seer Dr Shivakumara Swamiji's death, calls his demise, "great loss to society"

:After the head of Sree Siddaganga Matha, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, died on Monday, messages expressing pain and sadness over his demise are pouring in.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted about the demise of the oldest Lingayat seer.

"Deeply pained by the demise of respected Lingayat seer of Siddaganga mutt, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji.  Swamiji inspired people to serve the society and bring positive change. His focus on spreading education & learning transformed many lives. His demise is a great loss for society."

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Below is the tweet:

Former Karnataka CM HD Devegowda also tweeted a tribute for the seer:

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke about the seer and requested that Bharat Ratna be bestowed on him posthumously.

Mallikarjun Kharge said, "I request the government of India to give him Bharat Ratna. He is worthy of getting the title. Such a great man from Karnataka, it is worth to bestow the Bharat Ratna on him."

The Siddaganga Education Trust has announced the passing away of 112-year-old seer at 11.44 am.on Monday. Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy informed that Swamiji's last rites will be performed on January 22, 2019, at 4.30 pm. As a mark of respect, a holiday has been declared in schools and colleges in the state of Karnataka.  

As a mark of respect, a holiday has been declared in schools and colleges in the state of Karnataka.

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Congress leader Siddaramaiah had on the seer's demise:

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Karnataka Government information Department said:  

"THE WALKING GOD IS NO MORE ! It is with deep regret and deep sorrow, we at the Department of Information and Public Relations, record the sad demise of  Dr Shivakumara Swamiji of Sri Siddaganga Math, one of the greatest souls of the Spiritual World. The 112-year old sage was instrumental in providing food, shelter and education to lakhs of children belonging to economically weaker sections of society, without discriminating on the lines of caste, creed, colour, region and religion. His service to humanity is incomparable. We mourn his demise and salute his sacrifice".