PM invoke Basavanna, asks Muslims to end triple talaq

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon reformers within the Muslim community to put an end to the pain suffered by some women because of the practice of triple talaq.

Invoking the teachings of 12th century philosopher and social reformer Basavanna, Modi made a strong pitch for women's empowerment and equal partnership and appealed to the Muslim community against politicising the triple talaq issue.

“I would urge the Muslim community not to view the triple talaq issue through the prism of politics. Looking at the great tradition of India, my mind is filled with the hope that powerful people will emerge from the community in this country (to) eradicate outdated practices, evolve modern systems,” Modi said inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Basava Samithi.

Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Sadanand Gowda and Ramesh Jigjinagi, senior BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa, Karnataka minister Basavraj Rayreddy, Basava Samiti President Aravind Jatti among others were present at the function organised at the Vigyan Bhawan convention centre here.

The Prime Minister's second intervention on triple talaq issue within a fortnight came as the Supreme Court is expected to being day-to-day hearing on the petitions questioning the legality of triple talaq. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yodi Adityanath had questioned the silence of some people on the triple talaq issue.

Modi also released the digital version of the transaltion of Basavanna's selected 'Vachanas' into 23 Indian languages edited by noted rationalist late M M Kalburgi, who was gunned down allegedly by fundamentalist forces two years ago. Modi made it a point to walk into the audience to meet the family members of Kalburgi.

Recalling Basavanna's teachings, the Prime Minister said India's history was not only about defeats, poverty, illiteracy and colonialism. “India also gave the message of peace, good governance, non-violence and Satyagraha,” he said.

“Long before western scholars thought of democratic values, Lord Basaveshwara had enunciated the principles of democracy and even put it in practice,” he said referring to the concept of 'Anubhav Mandapam'.

The Prime Minister also asked the Basava Samiti to launch a quiz competition on the 'Vachana' that would help spread the teaching of Basavanna to future generations.