Twin districts mark Basavanna Jayanti, laud him’pioneer of equality in society’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 10, 2016: He was speaking at the Basaveshwara Jayanti programme organised by the district administration, Department of Kannada and Culture and Karavali Veerashaiva Kshemabhivruddhi Sangha at the Town Hall on May 9, Monday.


As early as the 12th century, Basaveshwara gave fresh dimension to the work culture and spread the axiom  that ’work is worship’. He fought against the tide of discrimination,DC Ibrahim said. The interfaith dialogue followed in widely is a strong message on how to overcome communal prejudice,he added.

Zilla Panchayat President Meenakshi Shanthigodu said that Basavanna opposed discrimination against women in early times. He made heroic efforts  for equal rights for women and equal participation in religious affairs.

MUDA president Kodijal Ibrahim said that Basavanna’s compositions contain the teachings of multi religious scriptures. Basavanna preached that all living beings should be treated with compassion. In India, the era of intolerance is fit for time Basavanna’s message is valued for greater relevance now and the youth should follow the teachings of Basavanna.

Mangaluru Basavanagudi Mutt pontiff Girisiddeshwara Shivacharya Swami inaugurated the programme. Sports personality Varsha and folk artiste Gidigere Ramakka were felicitated on the occasion. The programme, however, evoked a dull response, with a small audience at the huge Town hall.

Zilla Panchayat CEO P I Srividya and Assistant Director of department of Kannada and Culture Ravikumar were present among others.

In Udupi

 Deputy Secretary of ZP Srinivas Rao spoke and said, Basavanna believed in equality and was neither jealous of others nor looked down upon them. His preaching should be inculcated in our lives.

Speaking at the Basaveshwara Jayanti celebrations organised by district administration, ZP, Department of Kannada and Culture at MGM College on May 9, Monday, he said, “Basavanna taught us to walk in the path of righteousness. The youth should follow the path laid down by him. We should believe in equality and work in unity without differentiating on caste, creed, religion and other matters.”

Vachanakaara Veerash-ekara Swamy said Basavanna had opposed discrimination from his childhood. Udupi Tahsildar T J Guruprasad inaugurated the programme. Zilla Panchayat Vice President Sheela K Shetty was present.