The State government is ready to open an international centre to undertake research on the life and teachings of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara and spread his philosophy among people, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday.
He was speaking after conferring Basavashree Award 2014 on Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao at a function organised by the Bavava Vedike here.
Responding to an appeal made by vedike president C. Somashekhar to set up an international research centre, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would ask the Kannada and Culture Department to come out with a plan.
RelevantBasaveshwara’s philosophy was still relevant, the Chief Minister said. He, however, regretted that many claiming to be following the philosophy also believed in the ‘karma’ philosophy. Basaveshwara was opposed to the karma philosophy, wherein one believed that his or her present status in life was due to deeds committed during the previous birth. Basaveshwara advocated that there is no rebirth, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
Basaveshwara strived to eradicate caste system, but it still persisted and could be done away with only by achieving economic and social equality, the Chief Minister said.
State felicitationMr. Siddaramaiah said the government would organise a State felicitation to Prof. Rao in June. He said he was the first to visit the scientist’s house to greet him soon after Prof. Rao was chosen for the country’s highest civilian award.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said the scientist had shown that one who studies in mother tongue (Kannada) could also excel in life. This should be a model to all, the Chief Minister said.
Prof. Rao said his mother used to tell him that Vachanas were the Upanishads in Kannada. “I used to study them when I was around 14and was greatly influenced by them,” he said.
Prof. Rao said he believed God as the one who would guide an individual’s intelligence. He said true service to God lay in serving society, especially through imparting education. He would continue to work for the cause of science till his last breath, he said.
On the occasion, Upalokayukta Subhash B. Adi presented Vachana Sahityashree awards to Latha Rajashekhar of Mysore and R. Shivanna of Bangalore. While Ms. Rajashekhar has written five epics, among other works, Mr. Shivanna, who retired as professor of library sciences from Bangalore University, has set up a library to popularise Basaveshwara’s principles.
Minister for Co-operation H.S. Mahadev Prasad, Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri Math and Gavisiddeshwara Swami of Gavi Math Samsthana, Koppal, were among those present.
