Endorse social reformers; practice secularism, advises Sreenivas Prasad

Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Sreenivas Prasad on Thursday gave a call to the people to inculcate the principle of secularism as propagated by the social reformers, instead of restricting themselves to a particular caste or creed.

Participating in the Sri Shivayogi Siddarameshwara Jayanthi organised by the district administration, Prasad said Siddarameshwara, who was a contemporary of the 12th century social reformer Basavanna, advocated secularism through his vachanas. The Anubhava Mantapa (a podium of thinkers) at that time had representatives from various communities, including Siddarameshwara, who were united for a particular cause. 

However, Siddarameshwara is being restricted to the Bhovi community, he belongs to.
Prasad, however clarified that he was not opposed to the conglomeration of communities, but stressed for all the communities be treated on an equal footing, as the upper castes have emerged as a formidable force.

Expressing solidarity with the Bhovi community, which has inherited the profession of stone cutters and various other laborious jobs from their ancestors, Prasad reminded them that they are considered as an oppressed class, and have been included in the category of scheduled castes (SC).

Plight

President of Bhovi Welfare Committee, Mysore district B V Seetharam appealed to the authorities concerned to take note of the growing plight of the community, deprived of livelihood due to the advent of machines.

A portrait of Siddarameshwara placed on a flower bedecked vehicle was brought to the venue in a procession from the premises of Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Mysore Palace north gate. Young girls dressed in sarees carried ‘kalashas’ (a vessel covered by worshipped coconuts on the top), while various cultural troupes formed the procession.