The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Basava Puraskar 2005 given away to Basavaraju

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 01, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Basava Puraskar 2005 given away to Basavaraju

Staff Reporter

Kumaraswamy to look into his demand to publish more books on Vachana Sahitya

Bangalore: "I do not hanker for power. For me, working for the betterment of society is more important," Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said.

He was speaking at a function organised here on Sunday to award Basava Puraskar 2005 to writer L. Basavaraju. It was organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture. Mr. Kumaraswamy promised to look into the demand made by Prof. Basavaraju with regard to publishing more books on Vachana Sahitya.

"Basaveshwara worked for abolishment of the caste system. The youth in the State should work together in this regard. They should take up the responsibility and try to improve society," he said. Prof. Basavaraju, who had authored over 40 books, had contributed his mite to immortalise the preachings of Basaveshwara, he said.

The Chief Minister gave away the award, which carries a purse of Rs. 1.5 lakh and a citation.

Prof. Basavaraju said Vachana Sahitya was important both in terms of literature and values. "It is a common perception that Pampa is the greatest poet of the State.

According to me, Basaveshwara is greater than Pampa. But, Lingayat Maths claim ownership over Basaveshwara and use his sayings for their own benefit," he said.

He urged the Chief Minister to publish books on Vachana Sahitya and distribute it to the public at low cost.

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