Basavanna’s ideals are eternal but true followers are few, says Minister Rahim Khan

At the 24th Kalyana Parva Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan said that, speaking about Basavanna was never enough — the more we speak, the less it seems. “He was indeed a Vishwaguru (universal teacher), but what we truly lack today are followers who practice his ideals with sincerity,” he said .

He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day congregation organised by the Basava Dharma Peetha at the Basava Mahamane in Basavakalyan, Bidar district, on Friday.

Mr. Khan said that Basavakalyan should be developed as a sacred centre on the lines of Mecca. “This city should embody Basava’s philosophy in every sphere. Basavanna taught us that god resides within each of us and urged everyone to see all as equals. His Vachana literature gave the world a new vision of thought and equality. However, the number of people who uphold his banner is steadily declining,” he said.

The Minister also urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to fulfil all pending demands of the Lingayat community before the inauguration of the ₹800 crore Anubhava Mantapa project in the city.

Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil said that Basavanna’s sharana philosophy reveals its true strength only when it is practiced. “Truth, hard work and service to humanity were Basavanna’s guiding principles. Unfortunately, the influence of Western culture is leading us astray. We are even forgetting traditions like wearing the Ishtalinga and applying vibhuti,” he remarked.

Mathe Gangadevi, president of the Basava Dharma Peetha, expressed concern over the declining adherence to Basava philosophy among Lingayats. “Muslims, Sikhs and others have not forgotten their spiritual leaders, but many among the Lingayats are drifting away from Basavanna’s path. The sharanas dedicated their lives for us and their sacrifice and devotion can never be forgotten,” she said.

Former MLC Vijay Singh said that the State government’s five guarantee schemes are rooted in Basavanna’s philosophy of equality. “My father, former Chief Minister Dharam Singh, and my mother were true devotees of Basavanna. His teachings are not confined to any caste or community,” he added.

Basavalinga Pattaddevaru, the head of Bhalki Hiremath and president of the federation of various Mutt heads, said that Mathe Mahadevi united Lingayats under the Basava philosophy through Sharana Melas and Kalyana Parvas, and discouraged the practice of visiting other religious centres.

Several other dignitaries, including former ministers Rajasekhar Patil, Basavaraj Bulla, Shivaraj Narashetti, Allamagiri Basavakumar Swami, Shivaraj Patil Kalaburagi, Suresh Kumar Swami, and Shrikant Bhoorale, also spoke.

The event also featured a Vachana Nritya (dance based on Vachanas) performance by Shivaleela Sunil Gandhigudi.