Mandya additional DC, who plans to turn monk, named successor of Visha Vokkaliga Math

MANDYA: Additional Deputy Commissoner and KAS officer H L Nagaraj, who is currently on long leave and plans to turn monk after seeking voluntary retirement, has been named as the successor of the Vishwa Vokkaliga Math. He will take charge on December 15.

The officer had decided to take up monkhood and will take on the new name of Nishwalanandanatha Swami. The current head of the math, Chandrashekar Swami, has been ailing and plans to renounce his position.

Nagaraj had earlier taken up monkhood in 2011 when he was posted as tahsildar at KR Pet. He had quit his job and had taken deeksha from Balagangadharanatha Swami at Adichunchanagiri Math. He had even taken on the name of Nishwalanandanatha Swami.

However, following public protest seeking his return to the post of tahsildar, and pressure from his wellwishers, he rejoined duties.