Basavanna represents all communities not just Lingayats, says Kore

Prabhakar Kore emphasizes Basavanna's universal message of social reform and equality, urging translation of Vachanas for wider reach.

“The 12th century social reformer Basavanna is not just limited to Lingayats but represents all sections and communities in society,” the former Rajya Sabha member and Chairman of KLE Society Prabhakar Kore has said.

Inaugurating the Basaveshwara Jayanti programme organised by Sri Basaveshwara Study Chair of Karnatak University in Dharwad on Thursday, he said that Basavanna initiated social revolution in the 12th century through which he strived hard to provide equality to the downtrodden and women.

Terming Basavanna a visionary, Dr. Kore said that there is still a lot of work to do towards spreading his message.

“The study chair should take up work translating the Vachanas of Basavanna and other Vachanakaras to other Indian languages so as to spread the message to the people residing in other States. Already, there is awareness on Basavanna in Maharashtra and Telangana where Basaveshwara’s birth anniversary is celebrated in a grand manner,” he said.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University K.B. Gudasi said that Vachana literature has great significance and carries a universal message.

Through the concept of Dasoha (mass feeding), Basavanna facilitated coming together of various communities and harmonious living. In fact, Basaveshwara’s Vachanas provide solution to several of the present day maladies, he said.

Inaugurating the Basaveshwara Library, Sri Sharathchandra Swami of Kundur Mutt in Mysuru said that it is regrettable to note that Basavanna is being used like a commodity.