Religion, God and I…
In 1978 he was the President of Belgaum Bar Association, a four-time MP from Belgaum in the years – 1980, 1984, 1989 and 1991; his father was a freedom fighter and that explains his patriotism for the country. He was born in Bailhongal district in Sampagav village. In the year 1998 he left Congress and joined Kannada Nadu but in the year 2008 he rejoined Congress again. The name needs no introduction in Belgaum. Presently, S B Sidnal along with other Congress leaders is planning to start a forum which aims at working for the welfare of freedom fighters; the forum is yet-to-be named. Sharing his religious views former MP S B Sidnal talks to Lokadarshan reporter Sonali Desai.
Do you believe in God?
God is everywhere. People who are devoted to God can only feel his existence. Unless you have any experiences about his presence it’s hard to believe that he is there. It’s also very difficult to answer such questions.
How often do you pray?
I pray every day. I pay ‘police salutes’ to God. My prayer is all about joining hands to the God. I don’t believe in chanting mantras. I strongly believe that there should be no rules attached to God’s devotion.
During elections, have you paid visits to the temples?
Before any election I have visited our home deity Godachi Basvanna. It has always been the custom in our family. We follow all the rituals religiously.
Do you think that most youngsters today are atheists?
It’s a materialistic world out here and children are running the race. Everybody wants to make money, and they have no time for God.
Which is your favorite festival?
Holi is my favorite festival. It brings us all friends together where we play with a free mind. In our times we used to pull out judges from their houses and play Holi.
Do you observe fasting?
I was 22 when I had begun fasting. On the very first day my father asked me to stop fasting and eat. He said that since I am in the growing age I should not fast. And that was it, after that day I never observed fasting.
Do you think that there should be Religion in Politics?
Everybody should be religious. If we are God fearing we will make fewer mistakes.