Municipal Administration and Minority Affairs Minister Qamarul Islam has said that the philosophy and ideals of the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara and his contemporaries formed the basis for principles of social justice incorporated in the Indian Constitution.
Speaking after inaugurating the 882nd birth anniversary celebrations of Basaveshwara, Mr. Qamarul paid glowing tributes to the immortal work of Basaveshwara and his contempraries in their attempt to usher in a casteless society where everybody would have equal opportunities.
The vachanas penned by these social reformers which have found a place in the Constitution would be relevant for ever.
Mr. Qamarul Islam said that the work of the social reformer to eradicate the caste system and provide equal opportunities and status to all communities was an eye-opener for everybody.
The Minister also inaugurated the Rs. 50-lakh work for the beautification of the complex housing the statue of Basaveshwara in the city at Jagat Circle with landscaping and heightening the pedestal and establishing a garden.
Minister of State for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil called upon the people to develop the practice of reading Vachana literature scripted by social reformers and follow their ideals in life.
Floral tributes
In Yadgir, the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara was celebrated. The former minister and MLA A.B. Maalakareddy inaugurated the programme, jointly organised by District Administration, Kannada and Culture Department and Basava Jayantotsava Committe at Veerashaiva Kalyan Mantap here in Yadgir, by offering floral tributes to Basaveshwara’s portrait.
Protest
Residents of Madraki village in Shahapur taluk in Yadgir district protested against the Madraki Gram Panchayat for not celebrating Basava Jayanti by locking the main doors of the office.
They alleged that though the State government had issued orders to celebrate the jayanti as official celebrations, panchayat officials did not allegedly follow orders and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Later, they unlocked the office after the gram panchayat officials tendered an apology for not celebrating the jayanti.
