Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil inaugurated the first spiritual and socio-cultural extravaganza, “Basava Utsav”, here on Saturday .
Tribute paid
Speaking after lighting the lamp to mark the opening of the three-day utsav, along with Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh and other leaders, Mr. Patil paid tribute to the State Government and the district administration for organising the event to recreate the golden days of the 12th Century when Basaveshwara launched one of the greatest social reformist movements in the country.
Down memory lane
Mr. Patil recalled the time he spent in Basavakalyan. “I was born in a village which was part of Bidar before the reorganisation of States and I have visited this historic town several times. What bothered me then was the way the historic monuments were neglected.” Mr. Patil said that this time he was pleasantly surprised by the upkeep and maintenance of the monuments in the town. “I congratulate the State Government and the district administration for reviving the glory of Basavakalyan.”
Seminars
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who inaugurated the seminars on philosophy and teachings of Basaveshwara, said that the State Government proposed to make Basavakalyan one of the most important cultural and spiritual centres of the country.
Stressing the importance of holding such utsavs in all districts, Mr. Yeddyurappa said such utsavs would help strengthen cultural and spiritual bonds among people.
Mr. Dharam Singh, Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Naik Belamagi, Shivamurthy Murugarajendra Sharanaru of Brihanmath, Chitradurga, and Jagadguru Basavajaya Mrutanjaya Mahaswamigalu of Kudalasangama spoke on the occasion.
Basavakalyan MLA Basavaraj Patil Attur presided over the function and Deputy Commissioner Harsh Gupta welcomed.
