Kalburgi was not against religion, says Channabasappa

M.M. Kalburgi was a thinker-researcher who opposed exploitation and superstition in the name of religion.

Thinker-researcher M.M. Kalburgi was not against religion but was against exploitation and superstitious practices in the name of religion, writer Go.Ru. Channabasappa has said.

He was speaking after presenting the Dr. M.M. Kalburgi Pragatipara Chintaka Award instituted by Basava International Foundation of London to seer of Taralabalu Mutt at Sanehalli Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami in Dharwad on Tuesday.

Mr. Channabasappa said that Prof. Kalburgi’s stand on temples, religion, priests, the priestly system was naturally not liked by many as he never resisted calling a spade a spade. “He was like a definition to the principles of research and a true follower of Sharana Marga,” he said.

“Prof. Kalburgi, who vehemently advocated the tenets of Lingayat religion, never compromised on his stand taken carefully after thorough research and study. Throughout his life he adhered to the principles of love for nature, human dignity, social justice, quest for truth and fearless steps. He had edited over 41 ancient works and wrote over 100 scholarly books,” he said.

Referring to the work of Sri Panditaradhya Swami in the social and religious fields, Mr. Channabasappa said that the seer has dedicated his life for sensitising society and he is an example for how mutts can bring about social change.

Chairman of M.M. Kalburgi Trust Viranna Rajur said that the trust has chalked out plans for instilling the spirit of research and intellectual thought process among students.

Responding to the felicitation, Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami said that while Prof. Kalburgi was not alive, he lives through his thinking and research.