Mangaluru: In a rare event, a brahmin leader performed the ritual of washing the feet of a Dalit swamiji here at his residence.

The ritual was performed as a preliminary to a programme organised by Dharma Jagruthi samithi to remove prejudices and superstitions in the society and to alert women on religious issues at Mudipinnar on April 19.

Havyaka Brahman and Ammembal Co-operative Bank director T G Rajaram Bhat performed the ritual of worshiping the foot of Kanyana Balekodi Kashi Kala Bairaveshwara seer Shri Shashikanth Mani.

District panchayath vice-president Sathish Kumpala, district panchayath member Santhosh Kumar Boliyar, Dharma Jagruthi samithi president Naveen Padalpady, Sandesh M, Dinakar, Jayanth and Mundaje Balakrishna Rai were present.

While addressing the gathering the Seer said, “In order to eradicate superstitions and prejudices in the society, change should happen from the grassroot level. Through awareness programmes we should try to change the age old system”.

Programme convenor T G Rajaram Bhat said ‘Hindus-we are one’, it should not be a mere slogan instead it should be a reality. Organising these programmes will definately bring change in the society.

Through sources from his disciples it is known that Sri Shashikanth Mani seer is not only followed by a particular sect. He has maintained cordial relations with all in the locality. People from various parts of the districts visit the place.