Mindsets of developed people should change

Sanehalli Mutt pontiff Panditharadhya Swamiji felt for a need of change in the mindsets of developed people, more than the progress of dalits.

He was speaking after inaugurating Basava Jayanti celebrations at SC/ST colony in Basur in Kadur taluk on Tuesday. He meanwhile took part in ‘meal with dalits’ programme on the occasion.

Basavanna is the light of the entire world. He illuminated the inner self of people. He showed that there is no need to search for God, but one should visualise God within ourselves.

The God can be seen only with a pure heart, he said and added that if Ambedkar would have read Basavanna’s vachana literature, he would not have embraced Buddist religion.

Madara Chennaiah Swamiji said that Gauthama Budda gave light to 35 countries, through his preachings while Basavanna did not go beyond India. We should think why he did not do so. Basavanna should be freed from the chains of casteism today. He gave the idea of equality in 12th century itself, the seer said.

Kodihalli Adi Jambava mutt seer Markandeya Swamiji also spoke.  Kadur MLA Y S V Datta said that the ‘meal with dalits’ has been organised on the day of Basava Jayanti so as to show that Basavanna was close to dalits and batted for their rights.

Tahsildar C Chinnaraju, Zilla Panchayat President (in--charge) Shashirekha Suresh, Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha taluk unit President Bisilere Deveraju, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi leader Shudra Shrinivas were present among others. After the formal function, Kadur MLA Y S V Datta enjoyed the meal, along with dalits. The meal was prepared by Dalit women.

The entire SC/ST colony of Basur was decorated with buntings and the front yard of houses were adored with rangolis, creating a festive mood altogether.