C R Nataraja Sastry's blood group is B+. But the 63-year-old head priest of Kancheepuram's Kamakshi temple uses the letter and symbol for another purpose. Every day, he encourages devotees to the shrine to 'be positive'.
A man who finds positive energy even in the letter and symbol used to denote his blood group, Sastry is one who thinks beyond the vibhuthi marks on his forehead and hands. He will be organising a 'Facebook sangamam' on 10 July in Kancheepuram with his friends and followers on the social networking site.
At a time when social networking sites are widely misused, Sastry is confident and this is the second time he is organising the event. He has been using Facebook for long to create awareness about secularism and religious harmony. In 2015, he organised the first Facebook Sangamam in which more than 300 people participated.
The half-day meet will begin at 9.30 am with a prayer. A general knowledge test will be held after the prayer. Sastry has prepared questions for the test.
The idea is to create awareness on religious and social understanding. A religious discourse and a Carnatic concert will follow.?
Religious discourse? one may ask. Sastry says people should visit temples, churches, and mosques. "There is no magic behind these buildings, but these are places where one can attain peace. Whether you are a Hindu, Christian or a Muslim, we are all humans and we have to live like brothers and sisters. ," said Sastry. who has met personalities including Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his travels across India.
The Sangamam will be held at a hall near Kamakshi temple. A visit to the Kamakshi temple is also organised. The event is free.
Sastry has about 5,000 friends on Facebook, with at least 1,800 followers. He does puja for his friends for their prosperity. "I perform pujas for my friends during special occasions. For me, puja is not magic. It's a psychological healing process. My ultimate aim is to achieve harmony," he said. Sastry even has great admiration for those who observe fast during the month of Ramadan.
Sastry is using Facebook to spread his vision. "I have a great sense of compassion for my fellow beings. It may extend to every creature in the world. We should take positive things from religious texts," he said. The Facebook Sangamam will be end with a Kerala-style feast. However, Sastry's idea never ends. "There are places where people can buy Kancheepuram silk sarees directly from the weavers. Those interested may join me," he said.