Narayana Guru always preached about importance of education in life and unity among different castes and creeds in the society for a peaceful co-existence. He walked the talk. His words are timeless. In 1989, when I was Minister in the Union Cabinet, the President of the Temple Renovation Committee Mr. A.Vishwanath came to me and invited me to lay foundation stone for renovation of the Temple. "How much will it cost? "I asked. "Around Rs 60 lakhs,' he said, giving a rough plan they had prepared. "How much money you have?" I asked. "Not even a single pie,"' he said. "Then how will you take up this renovation work?" I asked. "Former MP and President of Bengaluru Arya Idiga Sangha Mr H R Basavaraju promised to give Rs 25 lakh," he said. "Then, go ahead," I told them.

Foundation stone was laid. Earth work began for foundation. Suddenly work stopped as there was no money. Several people suggested different means to raise funds. I suggested: "Let us collect money from people. Let us start organising Public Meetings for the purpose." The fund raising exercise began. We held several programmes in different places in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Mumbai. Thousands of people attended these programmes. Billava Community leaders in Mumbai like Jaya C. Suvarna, Nagesh, Suresh Poojary of Sagar Hotel and others supported us. We collected around Rs 35-40 lakh in Mumbai itself. I also attended a Meeting there. Vishwanath used to keep account of the money collected. The money collected was not sufficient to build the Temple and everyone was worried about fund collection.