'Basava Jayanthi should be celebrated as Naada Habba'

Basavanna remembered only on his birth anniversary, laments seer

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.