Karnataka names Lingayat seer Basavanna as state ’cultural leader’

mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, Jan 19, 2024: The Karnataka government announced 12th century Lingayat philosopher Basavanna as cultural leader of the state ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Prominent Lingayat seers and leaders of North Karnataka had been demanding the government to declare the philosopher as the cultural leader.

 

Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil said, "Karnataka is known for the great leadership by Basavanna. The 12th century Anubhava Mantapa centre came into existence because of Basavanna. And hence, we have decided to name him as the cultural leader of the state."

Dismissing remarks that it is a strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Minister Eshwar Khandre said, "The philosophies of all great leaders are embedded in Basavanna’s philosophy. What has this got to do with elections?"

Minister MB Patil had earlier proposed to rename Vijayapura after Basavanna.

Basavanna was from North Karnataka and was known for his social reforms. He formed the Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakanyan in Bidar district as a common forum for men and women of all socio-economic backgrounds to come together and discuss various issues.

Courtesy: India Today