Though the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara struggled against the exploitative paternal system and create a new world order where women enjoyed equal rights and there was no discrimination on the basis of religion or caste, the paternal system was still in vogue in the society, said N. Jayaram, Deputy Commissioner.
He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the annual Basava Jayanti celebrations organised under the joint auspices of district administration, Belagavi City Corporation and Kannada & Culture Department, in the absence of Small Scale Industries and district in-charge minister Satish L. Jarkiholi here on Tuesday.
Sanjay B. Patil, MLA, former mayor and veteran Lingayat leader Siddangouda Patil, Superintendent of Police Ravikanthe Gowda were present.
Highlighting the values and preaching’s of Basaveshwara and Vachanakars, he called upon the educated youth to promote inter-caste marriages, which would go a long way in discrimination of human beings on caste basis. He also pointed that the contemporary society was satisfied with materialistic way of life and symbolic celebrations of Basava Jayanti but had not inculcate the values such as ‘work is worship’ as preached by the social reformer.
“When nobody follows the values of Basaveshwara today, it will make a great difference even if 10% of the population followed his principles,” Mr.Jayaram said.
Rajya Sabha member Prabhakar Kore suggested against observing holiday on Basava Jayanti day, as it would be in sharp contrast with the philosophy “work is worship” of Basaveshwara. He said the Anubhav Mantap, the largest parliament of the world had equal opportunity for all, including women. Ranjana Godi, lecturer in Lingaraj College in the city delivered a lecture highlighting principles of ‘work is worshiop’ and ‘dasoha’ among Lingayats.
Grand procession
Later in the evening a grand cultural procession consisting of tableaux depicting pictorial presentation of Basaveshwara’s philosophy and messages of Akka Mahadevi, Allam Prabhu and other Vachankars of 12th century. Office bearers of Belagavi district unit of Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Maahsabha engaged in 'dasoha' and served food to the children at Gangamma Chikkumbi Mutt in the city.
Basava Jayanti participation
The BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Prabhakar Kore, who is also chairman of the KLE Society, participated in the Basava Jayanti programme organised by the district administration, the Belagavi City Corporation and the Kannada & Culture Department. Sanjay B. Patil, MLA; Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram, Superintendent of Police Ravikanthe Gowda and former mayor Siddangouda Patil, were present.