Latest news with #Basava
New Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
AICTE urges technical institutions to promote, research Basavanna's teachings
BENGALURU/ DELHI: In an endorsement of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara's relevance in today's world, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued a directive to vice-chancellors of technical universities, deemed universities, and AICTE-approved institutions to actively promote and research the philosophy, governance models, and social reform agenda of the saint and revolutionary thinker. In a communication from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the AICTE urged the academic world to highlight Basaveshwara's teachings for modern India. At a time when India is seeking new models of inclusive development, social justice and decentralized governance, poet-saint Basaveshwara's radical ideas are being revived and researched by the country's top educational bodies. The AICTE letter calls for workshops, seminars and research projects on Basaveshwara's philosophy, exploration of his 'Lok Sansad' concept of participative local governance, studies on his fight for social equity, gender equality, and eradication of caste-based discrimination and superstitions, and 'Vachanas', which are poetic verses filled with wisdom and rebellion. They spoke out against injustice, patriarchy, blind rituals, and social inequality. Basava himself stood for meritocracy, dignity of labour, rationality, and an egalitarian society. The Indian government now wants engineering students, faculty and research scholars to draw inspiration from this reformer to craft cutting-edge research on governance and social transformation. As India deals with growing social divides and challenges in governance, it is turning to its roots for solutions, and the message is clear: Basaveshwara is not just history, but he has his place in the future.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
DSP felicitated for translating vachanas to English
Vijayapura: Industry and infrastructure development minister MB Patil announced financial support of Rs 5 crore to translate the vachanas and Basava philosophy into five or six major world languages. Addressing the felicitation ceremony for deputy superintendent of police Basavaraj Yaligar, who translated Basavanna's vachanas into English, held here on Sunday, Patil said Basava and his followers envisioned a society where all working classes were represented equally. "Lingayat is not a caste but a caste-free religion. If the Kalyana revolution did not occur, the entire country would have embraced Basava's religion today," he added. He praised Yaligar for translating vachanas into English amid his tight work schedules, making them accessible worldwide. "Vachanas have become our culture and wealth. Due to the research by the Halakatti family, we are now familiar with 200 Basava followers. There has been a systematic effort to erase the 12th-century social revolution from history by comparing Basavanna to oxen. Even now, some are adding false vachanas. We are not against anyone, but we will protect our culture and heritage," he asserted. Dr Siddharama Beldala Sharanaru of Basava Kalyana Basava Mahamane Institute in Bidar said Basavanna does not belong to any one community or region. "The true Basava philosophy has not yet reached the world or many monasteries. In Basava philosophy, kings and emperors are not given divine status. According to Basava philosophy, one should achieve autonomy and Lingayat independently. Yaligara has vividly captured all aspects of Basava philosophy in his book," he opined. Vijayapura Tablighi Jamaat head Maulana Abubakar said Basavanna dedicated his life to justice by abolishing the caste system. "We will translate Basavanna's vachanas into Hindi and Urdu languages. We will publish a book studying the common elements in Buddhism, Basava, Ambedkar, and Islam," he stated. Professor Gil Ben Herut from Florida, USA, said he is inspired by Basavanna's vachana literature. "I teach this literature to my students. The book by Yaligar is a significant contribution not only to Karnataka and India, but to the world," he added. Former MLC Arun Shahapur, senior writers Devanur Shankar, CC Hemalata, and BR Banasode spoke on the occasion. Vijayapura SP Lakshman Nimbargi, additional DC Somalinga Gennur, former MLA Raju Alagur, among others, were present.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Youth told to follow the Buddha, Basava, Ambedkar
Minister for Minor Irrigation N.S. Boseraju has praised the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar and called them social reformers and great philosophers. He appealed to the young generation to follow them and adopt their principles in their life. He was addressing the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations programme organised at Basaveshwar Convention Hall in the University of Agricultural Sciences in Raichur on Tuesday. 'These three great philosophers of India taught us peace and gave us other principles. The Buddha spread the message of peace. Basaveshwar tried to bring changes in society through his Vachanas and Ambedkar brought equality among all through the Constitution. If we go on the path that they have shown, we can see many changes and establish peace and brotherhood in society,' Mr. Boseraju said. MLA Basanagouda Daddal said that these three great people uplifted deprived communities by showing them the path of equality and fighting against discrimination and superstitions that existed in society. Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji of Sanehalli appealed to all to join hands together to eradicate evils in society by following the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar. MLA V. Vasanthkumar also spoke. APMC chairman Mallikarjungouda, vice-chancellor of UAS M. Hanumanthappa, registrar K. R. Durugesh, dean Gururaj Sunkad, members of the UAS administrative committee, office-bearers of the employees association of SCs and STs communities, chiefs of various departments, students and others were present.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Basavanna's teaching relevant even today'
Mysuru: The democratic ideals and social reforms pioneered by the 12th-century philosopher and reformer Basavanna were the focal point at the 'Namma Basava Jayanthi 2025' celebrations held at Kalamandira on Sunday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was organised jointly by Basava organisations and the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha. State BJP chief BY Vijayendra attended the valedictory session. Addressing the gathering at the morning session, Mukthamba, president of the state women's wing of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, emphasised Basavanna's foundational role in promoting democratic governance and social equity. "Through the Anubhava Mantapa, Basavanna not only showed how governance should be conducted, but also laid the groundwork for addressing complex social issues. He offered a vision of democracy centuries ahead of its time," she said. She asserted that the credit for introducing the concept of democracy in India belongs to Basavanna, whose teachings remain relevant in today's socio-political climate. "The Anubhava Mantapa, where individuals from all walks of life—including women—were given equal voice, was the forerunner of our present parliamentary system. His ideas on equality, dignity of labour, and community dialogue offer enduring solutions to today's challenges," she added. Pragathi MG, director, Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Lingayatha Mahasabha, emphasised the inclusive nature of the event, with a greater focus on women, children, and inter-community participation, carrying forward Basavanna's universal message. The two-day Namma Basava Jayanthi celebration featured cultural performances, including drama on Basava Vachanas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now BJP state president Vijayendra emphasized the importance of unity within the Veerashaiva Lingayat Samaja, urging everyone to stand together and remain connected through shared values and traditions. He expressed concern over the increasing influence of mobile phones, WhatsApp, YouTube, and the internet, noting that while technology has its advantages, it is also leading many—especially the youth—to drift away from cultural roots. Vijayendra urged the community to strike a balance between modernity and tradition, ensuring that cultural identity is not lost in the digital age. His message serves as a powerful reminder that unity, cultural pride, and inclusive thinking are essential in building a strong and harmonious society.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Horse power: The bronze equestrians of Bengaluru
In less than two weeks, Bangalore's summer racing season will kick off at the century-old Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) in the heart of the city. Way back in 1916, Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar leased out 92 acres of prime real estate in the neighbourhood known as High Grounds to the stewards of the Bangalore races, under the condition that the land be used exclusively for horse racing. On May 20, 1921, those stewards created the Bangalore Race Club (which, in 1956, became the BTC). Horses and horsepersons have been around in Bangalore well before the BTC, of course, as the number of equestrian statues dotting the city reveal. The oldest is the statue of Sir Mark Cubbon, Commissioner of Bangalore from 1834 to 1861. Respected both by the locals and his fellow officers, the horse-mad Cubbon personally owned 60 fine steeds, which he stabled in the extensive grounds of his home (today the Karnataka Raj Bhavan) in the High Grounds. His statue, cast in bronze by Baron Marochetti, a Chelsea sculptor who was the toast of London society, arrived in Bangalore in 1866, and eventually found a home in the park that was named after him. About a hundred metres behind Cubbon, in the forecourt of the Vidhana Soudha, stand two equestrian statues unveiled in March 2023, mere weeks before the Karnataka state elections. One features Kempegowda I, who established, some two kilometres to the south of his statue, the original pete of Bengaluru in 1537. In recent years, giant (non-equestrian) statues of the founding father – recognisable by his turban, his naked sword, and the ultimate symbol of south Indian machismo, a luxuriant moustache – have mushroomed all over the city, including at our eponymous, beautiful airport. (Similar iconography marks the statues of 19th century Belagavi revolutionary Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, after whom the City railway station is named - the only difference is that KSR holds a shield.) The other statue is of Basaveshwara, saint, poet, political administrator and reformer from north Karnataka, who launched a radical movement for social change in the 12th century, and whose deeply inclusive philosophy, expressed as simple, accessible Kannada poetry, is evoked to this day, often in the well of the Karnataka legislative assembly behind him. Very close to this statue, on the Race Course Road, is another, bigger, equestrian statue of Basava. Both statues are distinguished by Basava's crown, his sheathed sword, and the linga at his throat. Basava's followers, the Lingayats, form one of the two most populous, powerful caste groups in the state; the other is the Vokkaligas, to which community Kempegowda belonged. The only equestrian statue of a woman is to be found next to the Puttanna Chetty Town Hall on JC Road. From atop a pedestal that most resembles an upside-down wedding cake, the valiant Rani Chennamma of Kittur (in Belagavi district) presides fiercely over one of the most congested junctions in the city. In 1824, decades before Lord Dalhousie enforced the infamous Doctrine of Lapse, which did not recognize adopted children as royal heirs, Chennamma went to war against the East India Company to protect the rights of her own adopted son. An early victory turned her into a Kannada folk hero for the ages; sadly, she was arrested soon after and died in captivity in 1829. In the verdant surrounds of Lalbagh stands the equestrian statue of Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, another adopted heir, who took the reins of Mysore back in 1881, following half a century of direct British rule. Executed in classical European style, and flanked by the goddesses of Liberty and Justice, the beautiful bronze statue is a tribute to a visionary ruler who ushered Mysore into a brave new age of science, modern industry, and representative government. And then there is the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who could never be mistaken for anyone else, on the ramparts of an ersatz fortress at the Sankey Tank in Sadashivanagar. Bangalore was once the fiefdom of Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhosale, and Chhatrapati spent a few happy years of his boyhood here, in blissful ignorance of what the future would bring. (Roopa Pai is a writer who has carried on a longtime love affair with her hometown Bengaluru)
