JOIN USLingayats asked to work for progress of all groups
As the Veerashaivas (Lingayats) from all across the State and various parts of the country started descending on the mutt premises, the shrine came alive with a series of deliberations on crucial issues of community welfare and importance and its wider interests and implications on society.
A big number of seers and pontiffs from various mutts across the state are attending the conference besides a few Non-Resident Indians, industrialists and farmers from the region.
The entire Suttur village has worn a bridal look for the mega conference held after a gap of 19 years.
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who inaugurated the conference, said though the empowerment and unification of communities is common, the Veerashaiva meet in Suttur should send a message of equality of all religions, communities and caste-based on ‘Anubhava Mantapa’ principle of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara.
“The conference like this boost the morality of people of any group and help progress and development. The Basavanna’s principles are basis for Veerashaivas. The Indian democracy and constitution is also a reflection of these principles of Anubhava Mantapa,” Yeddyurappa said.
He opined: “Veerashaivas are sound economically, socially and politically. This conference must not only focus on their progress and development. We have a responsibility to see that the backward classes too develop and progress. We must all sail together on path of progress,” he stated and added that he has made all efforts to ensure equality of development as a head of the State.
The Government has catered to all the communities and religions in constructing Haj Bhavans, assisting christians, building Ambedkar Bhavans, support to Siddarameshwara and Madhwa Peethas and announcing Kanaka Jayanthi and Valmiki Jayanthi as state festivals, he said.
He recalled the contributions of Veerashaiva leaders beginning from the 12th-century social reformer Basavanna to the freedom fighter Kittur Rani Chennamma in the ancient and pre-independence history respectively.
In post independence period, leaders like Nijalingappa worked towards unification of state, while Chief Minister like Veerendra Patil contributed to making of modern Karnataka (Navakarnataka).
“My government made sincere efforts for progress in the field of education opening new universities like Sanskrit university, Music university, Horticulture university, Kittur Channamma university in Belgaum and others. The language and culture is also promoted through Vishwa Kannada Sammelana,” he said and added he aims to make Karnataka a model state in next two years.
Seer Sri Rajadeshikendra Shivacharya of Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Peetha, Balehonnur, Siddaganga Mutt Seer Dr Sri Shivakumara, Tharalabalu mutt Seer Sri Shivamurthy Shivacharya Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra, Sharanabasappa Appal of Sharana Basaveshwara Samsthana mutt, Gulbarga, Ministers Murugesh R Nirani, C M Udaasi, Basavaraj Bommai, V Somanna, MLCs Dr Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, Thontadarya, Prof K R Mallikarjunappa, MLA H S Mahadeva Prasad, ex minister and Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha President Bheemanna Khandre were present.