JOIN USBasaveshwara pioneered the concept of an inclusive society, said Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim.
He was speaking at the Basaveshwara Jayanti programme organised by the district administration, Department of Kannada and Culture and Karavali Veerashaiva Kshemabhivruddhi Sangha at the Town Hall on Monday.
In the 12th century, Basaveshwara gave a new dimension to the work culture and re-established the fact that work is worship. He swam against the tide of discrimination, Ibrahim said. The interfaith dialogue followed in other countries is a strong message on how to overcome communal constraints, he added.
Zilla Panchayat President Meenakshi Shanthigodu said that Basavanna opposed discrimination against women in the 12th century itself. He fought for equal rights for women In his family and equal opportunities in religious rituals.
MUDA president Kodijal Ibrahim said that Basavanna’s compositions contain the essence of all religious scriptures. Basavanna preached that all living beings should be treated with compassion. In India, the era of intolerance has started and Basavanna’s message is of greater relevance now and the youth should follow the teachings of Basavanna.
Mangaluru Basavanagudi Mutt pontiff Girisiddeshwara Shivacharya Swami inaugurated the programme. Sports talent Varsha and folk artiste Gidigere Ramakka were felicitated on the occasion. The programme, however, evoked a dull response, with a handful of audience turning up for the function.
Zilla Panchayat CEO P I Srividya and Assistant Director of department of Kannada and Culture Ravikumar were present among others.
Udupi
Basavanna believed in equality and was neither jealous of others nor looked down upon them. His preaching should be inculcated in our life, said Deputy Secretary of ZP Srinivas Rao.
Speaking at the Basaveshwara Jayanti celebrations organised by district administration, ZP, Department of Kannada and Culture at MGM College on Monday, he said, “Basavanna taught us to walk in the path of righteousness. The youth should follow the path laid down by him. We should believe in equality and work in unity without worrying about caste, creed and religion.”
Vachanakaara Veerash-ekara Swamy said Basavanna had opposed discrimination from his childhood. Udupi Tahsildar T J Guruprasad inaugurated the programme. Zilla Panchayat Vice President Sheela K Shetty was present.