The Swamis in the Belgaum District

There are many aspects that our Swamis, working in the Belgaum District, have in common. This includes the Kannada language, saffron dress and vegetarian food; yet each has a different way of proclaiming Jesus. Each is unique.

The senior most among them is Swami Amalananda (originally, Fr. Anthony Mathias). He served in the Deshnur village and came to be known as the “Deshnur Swami”. He is sought after by Hindus and Christians alike for counselling as well as for mental, spiritual and physical healing. He is also a scholar and a Kannada poet with some publications to his credit.

The “Madwal Swami” (late Swami Arulananda, formerly, Fr. Alex Nazareth, a diocesan priest of Goa), was always eager to proclaim Jesus not only to his boarders but also to the other people in the surrounding villages. Swami Arulanand passed away on 13 August 2002.

The “Saundatti Swami” better known as Swami Prabhudar (earlier Fr. Constancio Draggo) is an impressive six-footer. He is also a popular preacher to whom many have recourse for spiritual deliverance. Presently he has undertaken a programme to train young men to become lay missionaries in remote villages. He was a teacher under Swami Animananda, before becoming a Jesuit, and was very much impressed by his way of life.

The Torangatti Swami (Swami Shantananda, earlier Fr. Shantappa Souza), was, as a boy, also a follower of Swami Animananda. He is a technical man, and so, besides religious activities, he also runs a model farm, and dispenses medicines for humans as well as animals. Due to Swami Amalananda’s ill-health, Swami Shantananda is now serving at Deshnur.