Karnataka - Gulbarga   

Kharge: people seldom follow Basaveshwara's principles

Special occasion:M. Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister for Labour

GULBARGA: Union Minister for Labour and Employment M. Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said there was a need for a thorough introspection on whether the philosophy and principles preached by the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara were being practised and followed now.

Speaking after inaugurating Basava Jayanti celebrations jointly organised by the State Government and Basava Samiti here, Mr. Kharge said that people took pride in praising the philosophy and principles of Basaveshwara but seldom followed them.

“The Constitution of India spells the philosophy and principles of social justice, equality and casteless society that were professed by Basaveshwara,” he said.

Unfortunately, Mr. Kharge said, during his lifetime Basaveshwara was hounded for preaching the principles of equality and for his efforts to establish a casteless society. It was only after his death that society recognised the contribution of Basaveshwara, Mr. Kharge added.

Referring to the demand for a caste-based census by leaders of a few political parties, Mr. Kharge said it was unfortunate that such demands were being made at a time when efforts were on to make society free of castes.

The demand for the caste-based census was being made by vested interests to garner the support of the people based on their caste, he added.

The former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh said Karl Marx drew inspiration from the philosophy and principles of Basaveshwara while writing Das Kapital.

Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Naik Belamagi was among those who spoke on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner R. Vishal welcomed the gathering.

A blood donation camp was also organised on the occasion.

Earlier, chief of Sulpul Math Mahanta Shivacharyaru hoisted a flag and garlanded Basaveshwara's statue. Mr. Kharge, Mr. Singh, Congress MLC Allamprabhu Patil and Mr. Belamgi garlanded the statue.

‘Ever relevant'

Bidar Staff Correspondent writes:

Basava Jayanti was celebrated with fervour across Bidar district on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner Harsh Gupta inaugurated the celebrations by garlanding the statue of Basaveshwara at Basaveshwara Circle. He said the 21st century would be India's century as the country would lead the way in spiritual pursuit. “The contribution of Basaveshwara to Indian thought is significant. His teachings are ever relevant,” he said.

MLA Bandeppa Kashempur said Basaveshwara's principles were not limited to any particular caste or religion. MLA Rahim Khan, Bidar Zilla Panchayat (ZP) president Naseemoddin Patel and ZP Chief Executive Officer Guruneet Tej Menon were among those present.

Shanta Ashtagi delivered a special lecture on the life and times of Basaveshwara. Cultural programmes were held in Ranga Mandira. A procession was taken out in the town in the evening.

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