Speaking at the Basava Jayanthi celebration organised by the district administration and Kannada and Culture department here, he said at a time when human values are declining, Basavanna’s principles are relevant even to this day.
The Vachans are not only for reciting but also for inculcating it in day-to-day life. “It is a tragedy that we remember the principles and teachings of great personality only on the day of their birth anniversary. A man should be identified on his work and not through his caste. The government should re-consider its decision on declaring holiday on Basava Jayanthi, he added.
He said “all should become economically empowered. No work is superior. Basavanna is an economist.” Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah said Basavanna’s birth anniversary should be observed as Nada Habba. It should not be restricted to a particular community. It is a tragedy that the festival which should have been observed grandeously is being celebrated by the government alone. He is not only a social reformer but also a good administrator.
Kodagu Zilla Panchayat President Ravi Kushalappa said: “We all can not become Basavanna. However, we can follow his preachings.”
Deputy Commissioner K H Ashwathanarayana Gowda also spoke. Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha Kodagu district unit president S P Mahadevappa said “Basava Jayanthi is not restricted to Veerashaivas alone. It is for the whole society.”
Siddalingeshwara Veeraktha Mutt seer Basavarajendra presided. ZP CEO N Krishnappa, AC Dr M R Ravi, SKDRDP’s Padmaiah also spoke.
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