The British government was on Tuesday reported to have given permission to install a bust of the 12th century Indian social reformer and philosopher Basaveshwara along the Thames.
According to Neeraj Patel, former Mayor of the south London Borough of Lambeth, who has been campaigning for it, Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose had finally given the go-ahead.
Basaveshwara fought against the caste system and slavery.
“He was a great humanitarian. He believed in and fought for a world in which there was equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, caste and social status. He advocated the modern British values of democracy, freedom of speech, tolerance and equality of opportunity as far back as 12th century,” Mr. Patel said.
