Press release

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Renowned Kannada film star Ramesh Aravind paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London on November 26.

He was also felicitated by The Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation for his contribution to Kannada film industry and playing the role of Basavnna in a film ‘Maha Sharana Haraliya’. The former Mayor of Lambeth Dr Neeraj Patil had invited him on behalf of the Foundation.

Members of British Kannada Community and Kannadigaru UK joined this important occasion; Kannadigaru UK is an important Kannada organisation in UK, which is promoting Kannada culture and heritage over the last decade.

Cine star Ramesh Aravind expressed tribute to Basaveshwara and his contribution towards democracy and social justice. He said “I am extremely pleased to see the statue of a Kannada philosopher in the backdrop of British Parliament overlooking the river Thames in the historic city of London.”

This is the first conceptual statue to be approved by British Government in the vicinity of British Parliament as a mark of respect to 12th century Indian Philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals and gender equality during the 12th century.

Prime Minister Modi unveiled the statue on 14 November 2015 in the presence of Speaker of the British Parliament John Bercow.