Leaders such as Basaveshwar and Shahu Maharaj advocated democratic values. Their collective contribution is what has shaped modern ideals of equality and equal opportunity, Vilasvati Khuba, writer and Basava samiti leader, said here on Sunday.
Speaking at a workshop on Maratha King Shahu Maharaj' s contribution to Indian culture and democratic process, Ms. Khuba said sometimes we tend to think that ideas like fraternity, socialism and affirmative action are external imports. But, a little introspection will help us realize that Indian saints and reformers strived hard to implement such progressive thought.
M.G. Mule, former MLA and Maratha leader, said that there were a lot of similarities between the ideologies of Guru Nanak, Basaveshwara and Shahu Maharaj. He urged young people to identify these similarities and forge friendships across religions and caste groups. He recalled efforts of Shahu Maharaj in supporting B.R. Ambedkar. ZP vice president Prakash Patil and others were present.
