Basavanna was far ahead of his times

DHARWAD: Basava Jayanti, the birth anniversary of 12th century social reformer and Vachana writer Basaveshwara, was celebrated with fervour in Dharwad on Tuesday. Members of various organizations garlanded the statue of Basaveshwara at Kadapa Maidan.
Several organizations held special programmes to mark the occasion. A grand procession with the portrait of Basaveshwara was flagged off by MLA Vinay Kulkarni at Ulavi Channabasaveshwara temple premises.The procession passed through the main roads of the city to reach Murugha Mutt, where a public function was held.
Legal expert and vice-chairman of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Lohit Naiker, while delivering a lecture, explained how Basaveshwara fought for the restoration of human dignity. He said the social reforms launched by Basava in the 12th century aimed at protecting human rights at a time when India did not have a written Constitution.
The dignitaries, who spoke at the function, said the socio-religious revolution launched in the 12th century by Basaveshwara on the basis of ‘equality-freedom-brotherhood’ was a unique event in the history of the world. “Basaveshwara is in many ways unique among the galaxy of Indian social reformers. He was both a rationalist and spiritualist. He fought against superstitions, injustices and inequities. He was for the creation of a society where there is no scope for discrimination. His life, preaching and values are ever relevant,” the speakers asserted.
Head of Murugha Mutt Mallikarjuna Swamy, former MLA Chandrakant Bellad, Mallikarjun Nadakatti, Shivvanna Bellad and others spoke.
At a function held at the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, its chairman Danayya Mahantayya Hiremath and other office bearers paid floral tributes to Basaveshwara. Members of Basava Samiti took out a separate procession in the city.
Huge procession in Vijayapura
Water resources minister M B Patil flagged off a huge procession in Vijayapura on the occasion of Basava Jayanti. The procession went through the main streets of the city and culminated at Basaveshwara Circle where the minister garlanded the statue of the 12th centuray social reformer.
Maate Gangadevi of Akka Mahadevi Anubhav Mantap, Dharwad, presided over the function. ZP president Umesh Kolkur, mayor Sajjade Peera Mushriff, Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Sidramappa Uppin, deputy commissioner D Randeep, ZP CEO K B Shivakumar and SP D Prakash were present among others.