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

24. Kalyana Parva Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan said that talking about Basavanna is never enough, the more we talk the less it seems. “He was actually a Vishwaguru (universal teacher), but what we really lack today are followers who sincerely practice his ideals,” he said.

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

Mr. Khan said that Basavakalyan should be developed as a holy center on the lines of Mecca. “This city should embody Basava’s philosophy in every field. Basavanna taught us that God resides within each of us and encouraged us to see everyone as equal. His Vachana literature gave the world a new vision of thought and equality. But the number of those who support his banner is dwindling,” he said.

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

Minister of Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil said that Basavanna’s philosophy of sharana reveals its true power only when it is applied. “Integrity, hard work and service to humanity were Basavanna’s guiding principles. Unfortunately, the influence of Western culture leads us astray. We even forget traditions like wearing Ishtalinga and practicing vibhuti,” he said.

Mathe Gangadevi, president of Basava Dharma Peetha, expressed concern about the declining adherence to Basava philosophy among Lingayats. “Muslims, Sikhs and others have not forgotten their spiritual leaders, but among the Lingayats, many are moving away from the path of Basavanna. The Sharanas devoted their lives to us and their sacrifices and devotion can never be forgotten,” he said.

Former MLC Vijay Singh said the State government’s five-guarantee scheme was based on Basavanna’s philosophy of equality. “My father, former Prime Minister Dharam Singh and my mother were true devotees of Basavanna. His teachings are not limited to any caste or community,” he added.

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

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

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