JOIN USAddressing the gathering after inaugurating a Basava Jayanthi programme organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture here, the chief minister said it was litterateur U R Ananthamurthy who had originally suggested that community centres be set up in government-identified BDA sites in different parts of the City.
“The Department of Kannada and Culture will be entrusted with the responsibility of setting up and maintaining these centres, where functions like Basava Jayanthi can be hosted in a grand manner,” the chief minister said. Visibly upset with the low turnout at Ravindra Kalakshetra where the Basava Jayanthi function was held, Yeddyurappa said it was unfortunate that today’s youth had become oblivious to such occasions. He expressed hope that the Basaveshwara Research Institute would help spread Basavanna’s teachings across the world.
Social activist and self-styled Arya Samaj teacher Swamy Agnivesh said Anna Hazare would shortly launch a massive rally against corruption from Bangalore. Agnivesh, who was participating in the Basava Jayanthi function organised by Basava Samiti, condemned religious leaders supporting corrupt politicians. It was unfortunate that such seers existed in the land of Basavanna, he said.