He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day national seminar on Buddha and Basava 'Life and teachings - a comparative study' organised by JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, here recently.
Advising a large number of students at the college auditorium, Ramdas mentioned that in order to succeed in life, it is necessary to inculcate the moral values preached by the two social reformers.
Commending the work undertaken by Basavanna in the 12th century, Ramdas said that even though they are still struggling to provide 33 per cent reservation to women, Basavanna had provided a platform for women to air their voice. Basavanna is a role model for all politicians, he added.
Professor of Kannada, Gulbarga University, Dr H T Pothe spoke on 'Buddha and Basava - Lives and thoughts', HoD of History, Karnataka University, Dharwad, Dr M P Kamble on 'Buddha and Basava- Ethical aspects', PG Department of Kannada, JSS College, Chamarajanagar, Dr Rajashekar Jamadandi on 'Social issues and reforms' and Professor, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Dr Narayan Prasad on 'Literature on Buddha and Basava'.
Professor, Department of Kannada, Bombay University, Dr Taltaje Vasanth Kumar, Mahabodhi Society's Sangharaktha Bantheji and college Principal Prof B V Sambashivaiah were present.
Prizes
Prizes were distributed to winners of essay and debate competition.
Essay Competition: S Durgashree, JSS Women's College, Kollegal (first), D Ranjitha, JSS Women's College, Chamarajanagar (second), B Sudharani, Maharaja's College (third).
H S Kruthika, JSS College, Ooty Road and D S Madappa, JSS College, Nanjangud secured the consolation prizes.
Debate: M V Shivakumar, JSS College, Ooty Road, (first), S Maheshwari, JSS College Chamarajanagar (second), S M Prakash, Maharaja's College (third). D Madappa, JSS College, Nanjangud and H S Kruthika, JSS College, Ooty Road bagged the consolation prizes.
