Writer Linganna Satyampete remembered for exposing injustice

Sharana writer, teacher and journalist Linganna Satyampete was remembered as a fearless thinker and uncompromising writer who relentlessly exposed corruption, political misconduct and the hardships of farmers, at a function organised to mark his 14th death anniversary in Kalaburagi on Saturday.

In the programme organised by the Sharana Marga Charitable Trust, the State-level Basava Marga Award was presented to Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) officer B.S. Sudhakar in recognition of his services. A book ‘Appana Odanata’ authored by Santosh Satyampete was also relased.

Former Minister S.K. Kanta, who presented the award, recalled his long association with Satyampete and described him as an uncompromising journalist who remained steadfast despite facing harassment for his writings.

“Satyampete was a schoolteacher who wrote fearlessly in Lankesh Patrike about political corruption and the plight of farmers. His bold writings often invited transfers and even suspension from service, but he never compromised with his principles. I had the opportunity to help revoke some of those punitive orders,” Mr. Kanta said.

Expressing concern over the condition of farmers and workers, he alleged that while ordinary labourers continued to struggle, governments extended generous financial concessions to large industrialists. “What justice is there when farmers are denied adequate support while industries receive loans with massive subsidies?” he asked.

Legislator B.R. Patil, who released Appana Odanata, said Satyampete was a committed follower of Basava’s philosophy and possessed an explosive spirit against injustice.

“He fearlessly exposed the wrongdoings of politicians and religious institutions in this region. His writings reflected courage, conviction and commitment to social justice,” Mr. Patil said.

Recalling his father’s dedication to journalism, Vishwaradhya Satyampete, son of Satyampete, said the Basava Marga newspaper founded by his father had once reached a circulation of nearly 25,000 copies.

“He never bothered about profit or loss. If he came to know of a potential reader, he would send the newspaper to that household regardless of whether they subscribed. He continued making corrections to the paper until it finally went to press,” he said.

Mahanta Swami of Kalyan Ashram, Mudgal, recalled travelling extensively with Satyampete to spread the message of Sharana philosophy.

“We visited villages together, sometimes even boarding whichever bus was available, to meet people and propagate Basava’s ideals. He was a true Sharana in thought and practice,” the seer said.

Earlier, journalist Shivaranjan Satyampete, another son of Satyampete, welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory address. A special issue of Sharana Marga was released on the occasion.

Basava Samiti president Vilasavati Khooba, Sarvajna Education Institutions’ chairman Channareddy Patil, Karnataka Sahitya Akademi member Siddharam Honkal, Karnataka State Science and Research Council’s district unit president Ravindra Shahabadi, social activists Suresh Badiger and Vitthal Chikani and others were present.