Mannargudi boy makes it to the PMO
From World Bank Consultant to Sanyasi and Torch Bearer at Kapali Temple, Ramkumar has now landed up a Consultancy Role with the PMO and is looking at complete transparency in the Temple Space through the eGovernance model
pExactly a year ago, this section featured a story on former World Bank Consultant V Ramkumar, the man from Mannargudi, turning to a Sanyasi and dedicating himself to service at Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2022/07/kapali-v-ramkumar-world-bank-to-sanyasam.html). Starting with the Vasantha utsavam last year, he began to play the role of the torch bearer at processions carrying the Theevatti end to end. In the Panguni Utsavam this year, he was there every session most times leaving the temple after 1am and returning at 3.30am.
Hailing from Mannargudi, he has also been a big devotee of Rajagopalaswamy (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2021/09/mannargudi-rajagopalaswamy-temple.html?m=1). This section has featured has featured a few stories on Mannatgudi boys making it big in life. In cricket, R Madhavan was on the verge of playing for India in 1984 (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/10/r-madhavan-tn-cricketer-1980s.html?m=1) while polio hit S Venkatesan made it to the Board of NBFC as the CFO of Sundaram Finance (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2020/09/venkatesan-s-sundaram-finance.html?m=1). But this one is the biggest.
The Processional Torch Bearer
Come this Vasantha Utsavam, his 2nd as the Theevatti carrier for the entire utsavam, he received a surprise call that left him completely stunned. Right from his teenage days in Thillai Nagar, Tiruchirappalli, he had been associated with societal service working for the VHP. But this invitation was quite out of the blue though right from his childhood, his parents instilled in him the thought of protecting ‘Bharat’ and doing everything in one’s fold towards keeping up our traditions. His grandfather had been a freedom fighter and had walked along with Rajaji on the Salt Satyagraha.
eGov - Consultant to the PMO
He has just been appointed as the Consultant to the PMO to work on a prestigious project that is very close to the PM’s heart. Having taken to the Sanyasi path, he was hesitant to take this up and wondered if he would get entangled again in a World that he had proactively chosen to given up but he was talked into by the powers that be who convinced him that his would be a significant role in this project and an invaluable contribution to the Society.
As early as 1988 when he was just into his mid-teens, he had begun collecting money – Rs. 1.25 from individuals for the Ram Janmabhoomi project and surprised everyone with the amount he managed to pool in a short period of time. He was an extrovert right from those days and extremely articulate in his communication.
‘Sanyasi’ Ramkumar will be working on ideating and implementing eGovernance on a large scale in the country. He sees a big transformation on this front in the coming years.
eGov Model a real Game Changer in the temple space
Clad in his now traditional Kaavi Veshti and sitting in front of three beautiful photo frames of his acharyas at his home in Rangarajapuram, Ramkumar told this writer that every citizen would be brought on record under the eGovernance model
He has already begun work on mapping assets relating to temples “60 years ago, the assets of our temples in TN was mind boggling. Do these feature on the temple websites. We have to look into the lost properties over the last three decades and get them back. Similarly the monuments within the temple have not been mapped. It is important to protect what is available today and for that to happen, the first step is map these assets. We also have to map every stone and pillar in our historical Palaces.”
Ramkumar is high on documentation and it was a role he specialized in at World Bank where his project reports comprised several hundreds of pages. In the coming months, one can expect a marked improvement in the eGovernance model in temples.
Another area of specializing is writing tender documents and he will working on these as well.
Historical temples to come under ASI?
One of his thoughts is to bring the 100+ year old temples into archeology and he believes that we will not be far away from that. Of course, in the past, there have been issues relating to the staff strength at ASI and their ability to monitor a huge number of temples.
Idols - From Icon Center back to Temples
One of the other goals that he has set for himself on the governance relating to temples is to track and record the idols and get them back into the temple complex “What are the idols doing in Museums and icon centers. They have to be provided adequate security at the temple”, he says.
He sees eGovernance playing a dominating role in the future “Every citizen will be watched from the richest to the poorest. We will soon be a beggar free Republic. The days of bad Governance will come down.”
Digi attendance model for Priests
Earlier this month, this section had featured a story on temples moving into digital attendance model for priests and service personnel (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2023/07/tn-temples-priest-selfie-photograph.html?m=1). This Facial Recognition System (FRS) too is part of the eGovernance model that is now being taken up aggressively.
Having given up his corporate role and moved into the Sanyasi role over the last year or so, Ramkumar is now back into his much familiar Consultancy role. He is now spending at least six hours each day on the eGovernance work including video calls with the PMO. He has already made a couple of trips to Delhi for face to face discussions with the top officials at the PMO.
Protecting our Sanathana Dharma through his Vedantha Classes
In line with his traditional outlook, he is now educating devotees worldwide on Vedantha, taking classes online. Of course, he continues to be the torch bearer at processions at the Kapaleeswarar temple in addition to initiating youngsters on the devotional path by presenting them with Saligramam stones, devotional books and Rudrakshams.
Ramkumar is a no nonsense man and usually goes the full hog to achieve his goals. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in his endeavor towards eGovernance of temples moving these institutions and the personnel there towards a state of complete transparency.
Tail Piece: A big surprise in the coming phase for temple priests could be a move towards digital payment of ‘Thattu Kaasu’ and if that happens it will be one of the biggest transformations in the temple space
82 comments:
Having seen him many times at kapali temple and having spoken to him a few times, his presence and energy is felt to those around. The story also bring out that enthusiasm on his new role and potential changes in the near future.
One strength of this work might be the pull of the next generation across india to work on current and future projects and thus also creating interest mid to long term amongst people in various roles both in service and support. Big ambitions and bold goals need the collective effort of many.
Wish him the best at his new role.
Good things happen.....
When good people are around.
For his knowledge, education and experience at the international level, he could have easily achieved greater heights in the corporate ladder. But he choose to server Kapali as a கடைநிலை ஊழியன் or அடியார்க்கும் அடியேன் servers as the best example of how a man should prioritize and live his life. He insires thousands of people into service of Kapali and temples like these. Hope more and more peopole toe his steps to get Bharadha Desh into greater heights. All the best for his efforts to strengthening e-Governance of TN temples. People with religiously philonghrophic mindset should soon take control of the temples and do everthing to make each of the 38000+ temples in TN true center of religion and culture..
Nice article jii. For his education in IIT and Synbiosis and this international experience, he could well have reached the top stage in the corporate ladder. But he choose to down to earth and server the Kapali like a கடைநிலை ஊழியன் & அடியார்க்கும் அடியேன் without expecting anything in return from anyone or from the temple administration. Thousands are getting inspired by his service. Hope more and more people follow his footsteps to render selfless service to temple across Bharatha Desh. More and more of such temples should become center of religious and cultural activities and take themselves to greater heights. For this the right thing to temples, the activities of the temples should be managed by people who are religiously and philanthropically inclined. Hope these happens soon...
This episode once again brought out the good qualities of great people to limelight. It is equally amazing how PMs office spot out the talented persons like Sri Ramkumar.
Last but not least my BIG thanks to you.
So touching story
May God Bless him and the project. An uphill task with many slopes! And hidden and visible attackers.
God Bless him with All the strengths to achieve what we have been praying to happen
Excellent news - we need to conserve the Temples , it's antiquity and its sacredness - an archival documented records is most essential 🙏
May Karpagambal bless him in his endeavour
Pranam
Dandvat Pranam
We pray for samastha lokha shemam
Torch bearer க்கு தீபாராதனை செய்துவிட்டீரே.. I am happy that TN temples will regain their lost glory soon, thanks to PMO's project in the right hands of Saint Ramkumar.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is inspiring to see individuals prioritize service and contribute to their community. It is important for people with a philanthropic mindset to play a role in preserving and promoting religious and cultural centers. We hope that more individuals follow in his footsteps and work towards the greater heights of Bharadha Desh. Best wishes to his efforts in strengthening e-Governance of TN temples and may all the temples in TN become true centers of religion and culture.
,🙏🙏
There are many Mannargudi great people in India and around the world" unlike myself who is also from Mannargudi.
Our Bharata-desh needs self-less people dedicated to nation building like PM, Modi, CM Yogi and now Sri Ram Kumar. They are the change-agents and Raja Rishis of today which will go a long way to restore the glory of Bharat and Sanatana Dharma. Hope the younger generation will get inspired and contribute their mite to nation building activities. The role of Sri Ram Kumar is the need of the hour in the state of TN for restoring it's glorious temple heritage and practises.
Excellent way of protecting our temple culture n it's valuables ..first protect from politicians n preserve in a secured way . for our next generations to see n realise our cultural values ..may God Kapaliswarar give strength to go ahead in his work..
Very interesting to read. All the best for him.
Arura Thiyegesa 🙏....Self-less people dedicated to nation building
God has given us a saviour as a result of the prayers done around the world by people who believed that Lord Krishna will come in the form of a man to answer our prayers.Parithrana saadhunaam vinasayatha dushkrutham is the happening right in front of our eyes.
Saviours of Bharat Mata are in saffron to lead the young minds and save her from the clutches of traitors in the form of her own but sucking her blood instead . Let's strengthen the hands of few such noble sons of our soil who toil to really liberate her. Bharat mata ki Jai. Bhommadeviki Jai. Vande Guruparampara
Salute the great humble person 🙏 🙏
Wow ! E-governance should stretch to enable watch and supervision of TN temples by VHP, Mutt heads and the average devotee ...
Great news
My reqst to the Swamiji
Is to save $ 30 billion for India by way of stopping gold imports
By implementing my idea of converting more than 10000 tonnes of gold lying in 100 top religious institutions..temples gurudwara,churches & masjids etc
From a stock of no real consequence, to the economy ,
To a flow
by allowing it to be monetised by each institution & then used for creating more such institutions to spread spirituality in the country of sages
This is the most original idea of colossal magnitude in my book
100 ideas to improve governance in India,
Which was personally given to 40 secretaries to govt of India
& glad to report that 75 ideas hv been implemented as they saw value in it
This one is huge
Requires tremendous coordination
Perseverance persuasion & perspicacity
To understand appreciate
& evolve a practical way of doing it as explained in my book
This one idea can save billions to be used for gods own purpose of propagating his presence everywhere all the time
By creating more such spiritual places everywhere
Like
Mahakaleshwar
Ayodhya
Goa Birla temple
Pataya wood temple
Shiva super temple in Dubai
Shiva biggest statue in Nathdwara etc etc
It is mentioned in 2 of my videos under my profile in LinkedIn fir more clarity
Cheers jk
Great...We should help as much as possible. Namaskaram to him 👍💐
Immensely happy to know about Sh Ramkumar for egovernance of temples. I wish he takes a peep into our History especially Chola History to know about the economic system (town / village economy) based on Temple management as practiced by our Chola rulers.
Over whelmed to know about him. Let Almighty shower His blessings on Him to achieve his target
We are gifted to be enriched with divine sparkles of Lord kapaleeswara. Saint Ramkumar is embodiment of ishwara who is a great boon to all of us. I sincerely pray that Ishwara to grant our saint whatever is required for implementation of unique project. Om namashivaya
Mv humble self aged 93 vears is overwhelmed to hear the story of the Great Sanvasi Sri RAMKUMAR and His noble thoughts Mav the Almighty and that of His Holiness Sri MahaPeriaval fondlv known as TALKING GOD and WALKING GOD amongst us to bestow the Richest and Choicest Benign Blessings on Sriram Kumar to continue
Wonderful article. Happy to read that work is in progress, regarding E-governance.
Beware of counter moves of HR&CE department to prevent him in participating in temple functions and collecting various data/ information about the temples
Very happy for Sanatan Dharma. Wishing him all help from God almighty. Thanks for sharing.
Well known to almost all kapalee devotees..
A face with eternal happiness
Jii gifting almost all times ..
Jii
Gave us a big ruduraksha mala
Modi proved one more time..
All this happening
This is a holy land
Sivan property...
He knows ..
May God bless him. Great. Very great
நல்லதே நடக்கும்.
இதைக் கேட்கும் போதே
இன்பத் தேன் வந்து பாயுது காதினிலே. 🕉️
My respectful Vanakkangal to Swami Ramkumar. Very happy to read and know that something good is to happen regarding TN temples, and that too with PMO intervention,when all along since past 2 years we are painedd to read many reports regarding present status of TN temples. Wiss Sanyasi Ramkumar Godspeed in his endeavour. Ram Ram Om Namah Shivaya
Super!! GOD BLESS..!!!!!
He re avatar of God to save the temple and bakthal
Valagha Thondu
Excellent and vital initiative though formidable. Sort of an Aadhar identity given to all idols that will pave way to their preservation and conservation.
Without making the mission overweight with personnel, Mr Ramkumar can enlist the services of people like Pon Manikavel and other trustworthy and knowledgeable land records individuals to expedite matters. The temple premises and praharams too need to be kept spick and span like what has been done in Kasi. Besides lands other properties of the temple like buildings, jewellery etc need to be inventoried and records created.
Wishing Mr Ramkumar Godspeed to succeed beyond measure in his goal.
ஓம் நமசிவாய. உண்மையிலேய தாங்கள் செய்யும் சிவன் தொண்டு மிகவும் பாராட்ட வேண்டிய விஷயம்.
தாங்கள் தற்போது உள்ள இளம் வயதினர்ஹளுக்கு எடுத்துக்காட்டஹ தாங்கள் செய்யும் பணி அமையும். மிக பெரிய அளவில் இருக்கும் நிலையில் தங்கள் சிவ தொண்டு ஒரு பக்தி மார்க்கத்தில் ஒரு வழி காட்டியாக அமையும். வாழ்த்துக்கள் சார். தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி என் நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி. நடமாடும் தெய்வம் ஸ்ரீ மஹா பெரிய வா சரணம்.
R கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி ஸ்ரீரங்கம். Trichy.
I have seen him regularly during the Utsavam of Kapali Temple. Never knew his background. Really great and appreciable service. May Lord Kapaliswar bless him in his new endeavour
Amazing are God's ways, it only Reaffirms Krishna's Words in BGita, that He will arrive, whenever necessary to pull back the people to Dharma & Happy, Peaceful living. HE provides all these Talents for our Graceful living. Thanks to PMO office, which has nack of getting the Best people for the most subtle projects. May God all these, including you, who brings this to our knowledge, A great motivation for those who are interested to do Good to people around.z🙏🙏, I salute & Pray. Thyagarajan, Chennai
மகராஜ் ராம்குமாரின் பணி உயர்ந்த இலட்சியம் கொண்டது. நாங்கள் ஏழு வருடங்களுக்கு முன் திருவாலாங்காட்டில் அவருடன் பழகிய அந்த சில காலங்களில் அவர் எங்களுக்கு போதித்தது அதிகம். நாங்கள் கற்றுக் கொண்டது மிகவும் குறைவு. அவருடைய அடக்கம் மற்றும் தீவிர இறைப் பணியில் நாட்டம் கொண்டுள்ள அவருக்கு கடவுள் எல்லா துணையும் புரிய பிரார்த்திக்கிறோம். அவரது அழைப்பு வருமானால் இணைந்து செயல்படவும் தயாராக உள்ளோம். கோகுலத்தில் கண்ணனைப் பிரிந்த ஏக்கத்துடன் வாடும் கோப கோ பியர் நிலையில் நாங்கள்...அடியேன் ஸ்ரீ ஆனந்ததாஸன்.
Tamil Nadu is in the dire need of such people as Shri Ramkumar Swami. He is God sent like Swami Ramanujar and Swami Ramana Maharshi. God bless him on his success in all his endeavours 🙏
It is really great for Swami ji Ramkumar. He should visit SRINGERI immediately and take guidances of Jagadgurus there in broader perspectives and implement them in his consultancy work. Our country is fortunate to have such luminaries yet with simple living as SANYASI and Theevatti Thondan at Kapsleeswarar Temple. Remarkable. Down to earth person.
T V RAMASWAMY IYER
ramaswamy1949@yahoo.com
9840986638
It's very great... 🙏🙏🙏🚩🌹🚩🙏🙏🙏
I wish HE showers the sage with health, strength and aayushya for pushing his visions. We are fortunate🙏
Great person. வணங்குகிறேன்.
One doubt, about ASI. Really many
Temples under ASI are attracting less devotees. Reasons should be analysed. Whatever it is, collection of money in the name of special Darshan should come to an end. I don't object a small amount of charge for maintenance of the temple. Main object is it should not be a collection centre for running the Government. Thank you.
வாழ்க வளமுடன்.
Anonymous Commenter: No, he has no role in taking temples away from HRCE to individuals or anything to do with advising anyone on creating trusts for temple ownership.
He will be involved in eGovernance and not ownership status of temples.
PRabhu
My Humble Pranams to Ramkumar Swamigal 🙏
My sincere gratitude for his dedicated service.
Lord Kapaleeswarar has sent Swamiji to guide us
Om Saravana Bhavaya Namah 🕉🙏
May Parameshwara bestow His benign blessings upon Sri Ramkumar ji in this challenging and daunting task and bring back glory to our age-old traditions and cultures! Om Namah Shivaya!🙏
Such devotees are to be encouraged and recognized. Kerala temples may be another treasure hunt.
It recently happened in Trivandrum Sri Padma nabhasamy temple every thing is restored to the worthy custodians
P.S.KAIMAL
Recently visited few temples in Tamil Nadu in Karaikal, Kumbakonam, Tanjore. As per the local priests the temple are as old as 1000 plus year. Structure of these temples are excellent. What these temples required is daily cleaning and care. Most of priests seem to be pure hearted . Looking forward to these heritages properties governed well, the protected n tell the world about our culture values and richness of great nation best wishes.
In Gita , God has clearly given that there will be incarnation again and again to establish righteousness. Ramkumar taking this path is also one such. Namo is also one such. It is the feeling and expression / support of us , public , that will fuel righteousness.
Amazing ! May Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal bless Sri Ramkumar. நல்லார் ஒருவர் உளேல் அவர் பொருட்டு எல்லார்க்கும் பெய்யும் மழை. God has sent another good sole to save Hindu Temples in Tamil Nadu. He is entering the marshlands full of crocodiles.
Awe struck from the minute I met Brahma Sri Sri Swamiji Ramkumar about a year back in Sri Kapali Temole holding the torch ahead of the Pradosha Murthy Pallakku, the sparkle in his eyes coupled with glowing Thejus on his face and a radiant smile to one and all , is a great delight and treat and feast to our eyes, many youngsters cling onto Brahma Sri Sri Swamiji like a Velcro, Swamiji uttering the name of Sri Kamakshi always , showers blessings on all those who interact with him, by the Grace of God it was possible for lesser mortals like me to have had a Darshan and brief interactions with his holiness all these months , with benign regards , my Pranam’s,
This story is about his role in eGovernance in temples. Request readers not to post comments relating to taking over of temples from HRCE, which is not relevant to this story.
Thank You
PRabhu
Thanks for the Opportunity to post the above msg, yours humbly, V.S. Kylas
It's god's assignment endowed with Dedicacation and devotion..
Let's hope best of things to happen in the day ahead to save our tradition and glory
Let us pray for all success in all his endeavours in enduring traditional values,
Regards Anna
D v subba Reddy
Met Swamiji on 13/4/22 on Guruvara PRADOSHAM day at Sri Kapali Koil, not used to this blog writing didn’t mention my in the above second last post, Pranam’s , V.S.Kylas
I think it is excellent idea and excellent selection. Precious that was lost due to bias and apathy will be restored.
Namaskaram. Tough and Good job
Pranam
Pranam.
I have got great Appreciations of the great PunvaPurusha Sri RAMKUMAR Swamiji of மன்னார்குடி at Madras
it is seen that He,Sri RAMKUMAR has collected Rs.1-25 from everbodv for Ramjanmabhoomi and what is the significance of this 1-2
That was way back in the late 1980s when he was a young boy. Showed his ability to reach out to people, articulate his thoughts and convince them.
Very good and challenging task taken by by him and wish His Grace be upon him for his successful results
தமிழகத்தில் கோவில் சிலைகள் திருடுவதும் ( (இப்போது குறைந்துள்ளது)
கோவில் நிலங்களை கொள்ளையடிப்பதும் நடந்து கொண்டிருக்கும் இந்த வேளையில் சிவனே அனுப்பி வைத்த தொண்டன் தான் திரு ராம்குமார் அவர்கள். அந்த சிவனே திருட்டு அரசியல்வாதிகளிடமிருந்து அவரை பாதுகாப்பதோடு அவர் செய்யும் பணிகளிலும் துணை நிற்பார்.
மேலும் சிவனடியார் பிரதமர் மோடியின் பாதுகாப்பு இருப்பதால் அவர் சேவையை அவர் செவ்வனே செய்து முடிப்பார்.
ஓம் ஹ்ரீம் நசிவாய.
சம்பந்தமூர்த்தி.
வணக்கம்.என் கடன் பனி செய்து கிடப்பதே என்பது தங்களுக்கு மிகவும் பொருத்தம்.இந்து கோயில் சிறப்பாக இனி பெறும் என்ற நம்பிக்கை உருவாகிறது.
Wish him all the best. All HIS GRACE that Sri Ramkumar is destined to protect our shd old temples under the guidance of our NAMO.
Does e-Governance of temples mean that temples will never be freed from Government control?? When will temples ever become free?
உங்களை போல மிக விரைவில், உழவாரப் பணியில். அடியேனுக்கு நீங்கள் ஒரு உந்துதல். திருச்சிற்றம்பலம்
But the irony is that from same Mannargudi.....one family literally went berserk in TN politics.....But NAMASKARAM to this spiritualised Soul🙏
Pranams to your excellent service. Pl. Look into vedapureeswarar temple assets of vedaranyam. They are mainly used by CG offices and for multiple acres of land just a lease amount of around rs 2000 per annum is given by Central government to EO who is not authorized.
Kindly look into this matter and restore justice.
Vedam antham... Puranam.. Sashthram.. 🙏🙏🙏
sai Saint Sainthest
Yadha Raja Thadha Praja
அருமை அண்ணா ஒரு சிவபக்தர்மட்டும் அல்ல அனைவரையும் அன்போடு பழகும் விதம் மிகவும் சிறப்பு இந்த வயதில் சந்நியசம் பெற்று அந்த கபாலி அவருள் புகுந்து அவரைப்பற்றி உபவாசம் செய்யும் காந்தகுரல் மிகவும் அருமை ஓம் நமசிய நமக
Why is he silent about the theft of Parvathi Devi?! You claim he wants wants to map every pillar of every temple but why would he be silent on the theft of Parvathi Devi in Mylapore where he "torch bears"?
And what kind of reporting is this to refer to asanyasi with his Poorvashrama name and identifying him with World Bank which was his Poorvashrama job?
Why was this not an official statement from PMO. This could probably be a contempt as the MHC is working on temple issues and how can PMO do something without obtaining leave from MHC?
I will get this to the knowledge of the court.
Discarding money luxury position etc is not an easy joke.This gentleman is serious embracing sanyas and continue to do most effective job for PM.hats off to him.
Great,my pranams swamy ji.
Tiruvannamalai temple also needs more changes, administration needs to be reviewed.
Many devotees go even without darshan..
Seeking your intervention.
Om nama shivaya
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