Latest news with #Vachana


The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Priyank Kharge expresses gratitude to Kalaburagi citizens for supporting him against BJP attacks
In a press statement issued on Saturday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge thanked citizens of Kalaburagi and supporters across the region for standing in solidarity with him in the wake of personal attacks by BJP leaders. Responding to the derogatory remarks recently made by Leader of Opposition int he Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and others, Mr. Priyank said that the people of Kalaburagi had given a fitting and dignified reply through their massive mobilisation and intellectual resistance. 'The conscious citizens of Kalaburagi, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Basavanna and B.R. Ambedkar have once again reaffirmed their belief in democracy and the Constitution,' Mr. Priyank stated, adding that their overwhelming support had not only strengthened his resolve but also silenced those resorting to personal and ideological attacks. Reflecting on the historical and intellectual legacy of Kalyana Karnataka, Mr. Priyank remarked that the region had been a cradle of progressive thought since the days of the Vachana movement, and would never allow the 'regressive and polluted ideology' of the RSS and the BJP to take root. 'The BJP's attempt to undermine me through personal slander reflects its inability to counter me politically, ideologically, or intellectually. They have launched these attacks because I have fearlessly exposed their failures and corruption,' he said. 'I am not alone. With me are thousands who follow the path of Ambedkar and Basavanna. This spiritual and ideological army gives me the strength and confidence to continue the fight against injustice,' Mr. Priyank said. Reaffirming his commitment to the marginalised, the Minister pledged to carry forward his mission to uplift the underprivileged and continue his efforts to dismantle social inequality. 'Basavanna gives me ideological strength, Babasaheb provides moral strength, and your support gives me the soul force I need. Together, we will confront and defeat the dangerous rise of communal and casteist forces,' he concluded.


New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Anubhava Mantapa will be inaugurated next year, says CM Siddaramaiah
MYSURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Anubhava Mantapa, being constructed at a cost of over Rs 600 crore in Basavakalyan of Bidar district, will be completed and inaugurated next year. He was speaking after inaugurating the 'Basava Jayanti 2025: Our Steps Towards Anubhava Mantapa' programme organised by the Basava Balagala Okoota and the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha in Mysuru. The CM explained that Anubhava Mantapa is being developed as a replica of the world's first Parliament, originally established in the 12th century by social reformer Basavanna. 'Work is ongoing and will be completed next year,' the CM assured the gathering. The CM said that it was his government that constituted a committee headed by writer Go Ru Channabasappa to prepare the project report for the project. Siddaramaiah said that Basavanna was not only a revolutionary social reformer but also a globally recognised economist. 'His teachings of Kayaka (dignity of labour) and Dasoha (equitable distribution) aimed at socio-economic equality. The revolution he led against the caste system is unmatched anywhere in the world,' Siddaramaiah added. He emphasised that Basavanna envisioned a casteless, secular, and humane society. 'Vachana and Dasa literature are landmarks in Kannada literature, making knowledge accessible to those previously denied education,' the CM said.

The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Siddaramaiah: Anubhava Mantapa will be inaugurated next year
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Anubhava Mantapa, being constructed by the State government at Basavakalyana in Bidar district at a cost of nearly ₹600 crore, will be completed and inaugurated next year. He was speaking after inaugurating 'Basava Jayanti–2025: Our Journey Towards Anubhava Mantapa', organised by the Federation of Basava Organisations and the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha, at Kalamandira here on Saturday. Mr. Siddaramaiah described Anubhava Mantapa as the first 'Parliament' because it was open to all sections of society, including women, to air their views. 'Basavanna expounded to the world a culture rooted in kayaka (labour) and dasoha (selfless service) because in ancient times, profession was linked to caste,' said Mr. Siddaramaiah. As Basavanna propounded the concept of dignity of labour, he was hence not only a social reformer but also an economic expert, Mr. Siddaramaiah added. Delving at length on the message propounded by Basavanna, the Chief Minister said the 12th century saint and reformer spoke against the caste system and the social revolution against it launched by Basavadi Sharanas has not occurred anywhere else in the world. The Basavadi Sharanas walked the talk in their struggle to build an equal and casteless society, he added. Though centuries have passed since the social reform movement, and Basavanna spoke of a casteless society, it still persists, said Mr. Siddaramaiah who pointed out that Basavanna's teachings are relevant for all time, and his values should be embraced by all sections of the society. Referring to the contributions of Basavadi Sharanas, the Chief Minister said their experiences became the Vachanas. The Vachana literature, delivered in spoken language, reached those who had been deprived of education, said Mr. Siddaramaiah. He referred to the caste discrimination in society that kept the 'lower castes' out of the purview of education which, he said, was the privilege of the 'upper castes.' Referring to his own background, the Chief Minister said that his parents were deprived of education and he himself was admitted directly to 5th standard at the insistence of Rajappa, his teacher. 'Because of Rajappa Master, I was directly admitted to the fifth grade, received education, and became Chief Minister twice,' he added and attributed his education and his political growth to the provisions made in the Constitution by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The values enshrined in the Vacahanas are also reflected in the Constitution and hence it was important to study and save it, he added. Responding to the demand of the organisers, the Chief Minister assured the Federation of Basava Organisations, more funds would be allocated for the construction of Basava Bhavana. Suttur seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, Mysuru district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, MLA Tanvir Sait, and others were present. Earlier, a procession of folk artists was also taken out along the main roads of the city.

Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tamannaah's brand ambassadorship sparks protest
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited The appointment of Tamannaah Bhatia as the brand ambassador of(KSDL), with a hefty Rs 6.2 crore paid for a two-year promotional contract, has sparked controversy. Several pro-Kannada activists have expressed strong objections and even staged a protest outside KSDL on and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil said that Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, a symbol of Karnataka's pride and cultural identity, must be guided by market dynamics and competitive strategy when it comes to business decisions. Responding to criticism over the appointment of actress Tamannaah as brand ambassador, the minister clarified that the decision was taken based on expert recommendations and should not be viewed to media persons on Friday, Patil defended the move amidst backlash that a non-Kannada ambassador undermines the brand's local ethos. 'As someone from the Vachana tradition, I hold deep respect for Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka. I also admire local artists. But in matters of business, competitiveness must take precedence,' he said. Since taking charge of the department, Patil noted, KSDL's production has grown by 40% without any major investment in company has seen a 15% growth in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, outpacing competitors like Godrej (11%), Hindustan Unilever (9%), ITC (8%), and Wipro (7%). 'Our goal is to increase KSDL's turnover to Rs 5,000 crore in the next three years. If that happens, we may even require a Hollywood celebrity as our brand ambassador. I hope we reach that level,' he finalising Tamannaah, the company approached top Kannada-speaking actresses such as Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. Others considered included Sreeleela, Pooja Hegde, and Kiara Advani. However, many were either already committed to other beauty and skincare brands or unavailable for the next two years. Given Tamannaah's pan-India appeal and her massive social media following of 28 million, she was selected to lead KSDL's branding efforts. Patil also revealed that KSDL recently launched 21 new products and is now preparing to enter the fragrance segment.


Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Basavanna's Vachanas translated into French, launched in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The , a form of from the , has been completed after five years of work, marking its translation into 38 at its launch at Alliance Francaise Wednesday, Basava Samiti president Aravind Jatti said, "If Vachanas reach the entire world, I think we may not have any more wars. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That is the strength of Vachana literature." He reflected on how this egalitarian poetry, once confined to Karnataka, now has a global reach. Drawing parallels between the French Revolution and the 12th-century Sharana revolution by Basavanna and his followers, Jatti described the translations as a gateway to universal values of equality and spirituality. He urged Marc Lamy, consul general of France in Bengaluru, to help circulate the translated Vachanas in French libraries to foster global tiesLamy said, "Relations between France and India are probably at their highest right now. I'm absolutely in favour of finding a way for Campus France to return to Alliance Francaise, which will help us strengthen our bond with the consulate."Responding to a request from Chinmaya P Chigateri, president of Alliance Francaise, Lamy agreed to host a grand Bastille Day celebration in Bengaluru in 2026, hosting 450-500 guests, and promised security and logistical arrangements.30k student goal by 2030We need more French and Kannada speakers in India," Lamy said. "Student mobility is a priority for both countries. The goal is to have 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, and it is progressing fast. Likewise, we want more French students coming to India and experiencing its diversity."— Sathvi G Bhat