Basavanna represents all communities not just Lingayats, says Kore

Chairman of KLE Society Prabhakar Kore inauguratingd the Basava Jayanti programme at Karnatak University in Dharwad on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“The 12th century social reformer Basavanna is not just limited to Lingayats but represents all sections and communities in society,” the former Rajya Sabha member and Chairman of KLE Society Prabhakar Kore has said.

Inaugurating the Basaveshwara Jayanti programme organised by Sri Basaveshwara Study Chair of Karnatak University in Dharwad on Thursday, he said that Basavanna initiated social revolution in the 12th century through which he strived hard to provide equality to the downtrodden and women.

Terming Basavanna a visionary, Dr. Kore said that there is still a lot of work to do towards spreading his message.

“The study chair should take up work translating the Vachanas of Basavanna and other Vachanakaras to other Indian languages so as to spread the message to the people residing in other States. Already, there is awareness on Basavanna in Maharashtra and Telangana where Basaveshwara’s birth anniversary is celebrated in a grand manner,” he said.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University K.B. Gudasi said that Vachana literature has great significance and carries a universal message.

Through the concept of Dasoha (mass feeding), Basavanna facilitated coming together of various communities and harmonious living. In fact, Basaveshwara’s Vachanas provide solution to several of the present day maladies, he said.

Inaugurating the Basaveshwara Library, Sri Sharathchandra Swami of Kundur Mutt in Mysuru said that it is regrettable to note that Basavanna is being used like a commodity.

“Basaveshwara is a different person altogether. Through Anubhava Mantapa, he advocated democracy and his principles and views are like guidelines to the social reformers and those ruling the country,” he said.

Presiding over the function, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University Jayashree S. said that Basavanna had raised his voice against discrimination based on sex in the 12th century and there is a need for sensitising students more about such visionaries.

Registrars A. Chennappa and N.Y. Mattihal, Finance Officer C. Krishnamurthy, coordinator of the study chair C.M. Kundagol, scholar Viranna Rajur and others were present.

On the occasion, members of Nirantana Foundation presented a dance drama based on Basavanna’s Vachanas and a book on Fa.Gu. Halakatti authored by Ujwala Hiremath was released.