Vachana Mantapa construction to begin shortly in Kalaburagi: Minister
Government of Karnataka will construct a 'Vachana Mantapa' in Kalaburagi to spread the universal message of 12th century social reformer Basavanna and the vachana movement, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil announced during the Basava Jayanti celebrations in Kalaburagi on April 30.
He made the announcement after paying floral tribute to the equestrian statue of Basaveshwara at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi.
The event was organised jointly by the district administration, Kalaburagi City Corporation, Department of Kannada and Culture, and the Basava Jayanti Celebration Committee.
'The project was included in the 2024–25 State budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed us to commence construction work immediately. The district administration is preparing the blueprint,' he said.
Highlighting the lifelong efforts of Basavanna and other sharanas of the 12th century to build a casteless and equitable society, the Minister said that the essence of the Sharana movement, rooted in compassion and equality for all beings and the transformative power of vachanas, should be passed on to future generations.
'We must preserve and nurture the practice of Ishta Linga worship and the cultural heritage of Basava philosophy,' he said.
Speaking on the inclusivity of Basava's ideology, Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson B.R. Patil remarked that even those who do not wear the Ishta Linga can be followers of Basavanna.
'Wearing the Linga is not a prerequisite for being Basavanna's follower. Even those who do not wear it can follow his teachings. Our Lingayat identity stemmed from a time when people from marginalised communities adopted the linga as a symbol of spiritual equality,' he said.
Commending the Dalit Sangharsha Samit for its efforts to promote Buddha-Basava-Ambedkar philosophy across Karnataka, he emphasised the importance of upholding ideas over idolising individuals.
'Basavanna's social revolution stemmed from embracing inter-caste marriage and the dignity of labour. We must glorify ideas, not individuals — be it Basavanna or Ambedkar. If we glorify only individuals, the ideas will fade,' he cautioned.
MLA and Jayanti Committee Chairperson M.Y. Patil called for embracing the Kayaka Sharanas who have drifted away, reiterating Basavanna's revolutionary role in advocating inter-caste harmony and establishing an egalitarian society. He also noted that Basava Jayanti had evolved from mere processions to ideologically rich celebrations since the rediscovery of vachana literature.
Retired professor Dr. Durgadas, delivering a lecture, identified Kalyana Karnataka as Basavanna's land of action, praising the vachanas for their accessibility and spiritual depth. He portrayed Basavanna as a humanitarian who transcended orthodoxy and championed rational thought from a young age.
Recognition for outstanding individuals
Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzya Taranum was felicitated for winning the Election Commission of India's award for best district election officer while the family of Mohan Kumar from Dora Jambga village was honoured as he secured the 982nd rank in the UPSC exams.
Sarangadhara Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Sarangamath hoisted the Shatsthala flag, and blessed the event and the gathering.
MLA Allamaprabhu Patil presided over the event. MLCs B.G. Patil, Tippannappa Kamakanoor and Shashil G. Namoshi, City Police Commissioner S.D. Sharannappa, Superintendent of Police Addoor Srinivasalu and leaders from Lingayat community were among the participants.
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