'Caste system is gaining ground'

He was speaking after inaugurating  Basaveshwara Jayanthi organised jointly by District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Kannada and Culture in Chamarajanagar on Friday.

“The 12th century social reformer Basavanna fought against casteist forces during his period.

Social harmony

The establishment of ‘Anubhava Mantapa’ was a better example for the prevalence of social harmony at that time. Women were accorded equal status and had opportunities on par with men. Widow remarriage and inter caste marriages were hugely encouraged. Ironically, caste system is strengthening in this modern era despite the reformation measures  by such social reformers”, he said.

Teachings

Basavanna’s teachings and principles were incorporated into Indian constitution owing to his benevolent personality. Basavanna widely believed in the principle of ‘work is worship’ and encouraged mass feeding in temples. Basavanna was also an able ruler, an economist who had given importance for welfare of people. The State Government must follow the ideals of Basavanna, he added. MLC and Prof K R Mallikarjunappa and others were present.

Meanwhile, District Congress President and MLA H S Mahadevaprasad criticised the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa for not paying visit to Chamarajanagar fearing it as ‘jinxed city’.

The CM who is an ardent follower of Basavanna must not give prominence to superstition and blind belief as 12th century social reformer opposed such practices.  He dared Excise and District -In-charge Minister M P Renukacharya to coax the CM to visiting Chamarajanagar if he really is interested in development of the backward district.