Kalasa-Banduri activist to turn sanyasi to prove selflessness

Hubballi: A leading activist involved in the Kalasa-Banduri agitation is out to prove his selflessness by leading an ascetic life. Veeresh Sobaradmath, 37, said that he will soon set up a mutt which will be different from the traditional ones and concentrate on farmers' issues.
"My mutt won't have ambitions of opening school or colleges to generate revenue.As of now, 30-40 farmers are ready to work as full-time workers in the mutt. They will be trained to manage the mutt," he said.
Sobaradmath said that he will join a spiritual course after inaugurating the mutt. He has been involved in farmer activism since 1996. "I have observed that farmers' movements have been failing as many leaders go on to achieve political power. Due to this, many farmers have lost hopes on movements and leaders. I am turning ascetic in a month to prove that I don't have any political or financial ambition," he said.
Sobaradmath, who was once an activist of the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Sri Ram Sene, informed that his mutt will not focus on any religious activities.
"We would like to maintain distance from Hindu outfits. We will concentrate on humanity, land, water and farmers' issues. Our activities will be focused on creating awareness among farmers about their rights. We will invite swamis, moulvis and priests for the inauguration of the mutt which will be held in a month," he said.
He alleged that Hindutva followers, who speak about protecting cows, never helped to maintain his Goshala opened in 2012. "Now I have realized that Hinduism is facing threat to its existence because of internal squabbles. It was an endangered religion, even before the entry of Islam and Christianity into India," he said.
He said that the Kalasa-Banduri movement might be awaiting success, but it has united people in the North Karnataka region.
"The movement has taught a lesson to all political parties. Farmers feel that this time they cannot be cheated or hijacked by any political party. Despite such social success, some farmers, who are affiliated to political parties, are confused about their next move. Many farmers have remained apolitical," said Sobaradmath.