Mangaluru: Moral education is essential for today’s society, and books serve as a guiding light for a meaningful life, said film director and lyricist V Nagendra Prasad.He was speaking after releasing ‘Jnanapatha’ and ‘Jnanaratha’, published under the Yoga and Moral Education programme in schools, at an event organised by Shantivana Trust in Dharmasthala on Tuesday. Prasad said the books were excellent companions and the articles in them provide inspiration and motivation.Recalling his connection with Dharmasthala, Prasad said he had stayed there for three months while producing the film ‘Sri Manjunatha’. Before starting work, he had sought the blessings of Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, who had cautioned him not to commercialise Lord Manjunatha. He said the film, made at a cost of Rs 7 crore, was a major effort though it incurred losses. He also spoke of his study of Jainism and Kannada poets like Pampa, Ranna and Janna.Actor Dattanna (Dattatreya HD) said values must begin at home. “Life is not about longevity, but about living meaningfully. Reading good books builds values and character,” he said.Presiding over the event, Heggade said students are the country’s future, and yoga and moral education programme shape them. He stressed that applying lessons from books in daily life can guide students towards good conduct. By controlling senses and avoiding bad habits, they can become assets to society, he added.Hemavathi V Heggade, D Harshendra Kumar and Supriya Harshendra Kumar were present. Winners of the state-level postal and drawing competitions were honoured on the occasion.
