Mandya: In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior BJP leader and former chief minister S M Krishna has requested that the highest civilian award of the country-the “Bharat Ratna”-be conferred on Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddhaganga Matt, Tumkur.

In his letter, S M Krishna states that the Siddaganga senior seer, aged 111 years, spent almost 8 decades in social service to bring equality in the society. The great egalitarian also has in-depth knowledge of Kannada, English and Sanskrit literature. His teachings deal with the eradication of bad practices, superstition and discrimination. He has created an environment, where people of any caste, creed or religion can visit him, he mentions in his letter.

Lakhs of devotees worship the seer and believe him to be a “walking God” and are all waiting for him to be conferred with the “Bharat Ratna”, Krishna stresses adding that the seer deserves to be recognised by the union government.

The “Bharat Ratna” should be conferred on the seer for his service to humanity. He has qualified for the highest civilian award, Krishna wrote in the letter.