Congress, Like Basavanna, Wants a Secular Society: Sonia Gandhi
Report: TOI
Pics: Daijiworld Media Network - KPN
Bagalkot, Apr 13: AICC chief and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday heaped encomiums of highest degree on 12th-century social reformer Basavanna during the centenary celebrations of Shivayoga Mandir here.
Unveiling a portrait of Hanagal Kumaraswamy as a part of celebrations of the Mandira, which trains seers in Basava philosophy, and Veeraishaiva Mahasabha here, she said Congress' philosophy is in no way different from that of Basavanna's preachings. "Like this saint-reformer, the Congress is also trying to establish a secular society devoid of oppression, inequality, gender bias and hunger," she said.
Vachanas of Basavanna and his contemporaries are relevant for the present-day organizations to establish a society where there is no scope for superstitions, oppression, and other social discriminations. "India has a galaxy of revolutionaries, mahatmas and saints. But Basavanna's rationalistic thinking and his legacy inspire me. He stands in stark contrast to others when it comes to fighting social evils," she claimed, adding that it is amazing to note the efforts made by Lingayat mutts and seers in providing education and food to the poor, as advocated by Basavanna.
The establishment of Mandira and Mahasabha is the landmark in the history of Karnataka, she said, adding: "The work done by Basavanna, his followers and mutts in the state are worthy to be emulated by others. This will go a long way in establishing an egalitarian society," she said.
Sonia recalled the contribution of Lingayat mutts to various fields and producing great leaders like (former CM) S Nijalingappa and (former President) B D Jatti. Sonia cautioned the people to remain careful about bigots and divisive forces which are working overtime to create divisions in the society.
Union law minister M Veerappa Moily, while addressing the gathering earlier, claimed that UPA manifesto is a "carbon copy" of Basavanna's philosophy. "`Kayaka' (work culture) and `Dasoha' (service to the society) turned Basavanna into a towering personality. His preachings are unparalleled in the history as both `Kayaka' and `Dasoha' automatically eliminated discrimination of all sorts from the society," he said.
Shivayoga Mandira chief Sri Sanganabasava Swamiji of Kottur Mutt urged Sonia to prevail upon Union government to provide a separate code and column for Lingayats in the country like what they have done for Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains and Christians.
Sidelights
A large number of people heard Sonia Gandhi's speech with rapt attention. They braved the sweltering heat of 43 degree Celsius for over two hours for that. Sonia receieved a thunderous applause whenever she praised Basavanna and Lingayat mutts.
It was a sea of saffron-clad seers of Lingayat mutts at the venue. Over 1,000 seers attended the meeting.
Though it was a function organized by Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Shivayoga Mandira, Congress leaders hijacked the stage with all of them sitting in the front row along with Sonia and Sangana Basava Swamiji, the head of Mandira. Union ministers Mallikarjuna Kharge, K H Muniyappa and M Veerappa Moily, Siddaramaiah, R V Deshpande, D K Shivakumar sat in the front row while BJP leaders __ Bagalkot MP P C Gaddigoudar, legislators Veeranna Churanthimutt and Pattanshetty __ sat behind them.
Before arriving at the venue, Sonia visited Kartru Gaddige and offered prayers. She also applied `vibhuthi' (holy ash) on her forehead when Congress leader Rani Satish briefed her the process of making vibhutis.
One reason for AICC chief Sonia Gandhi to attend the function is said to be the state leadership's strategy to woo Lingayats. This apart, former MLA Bheemanna Khandre heads the Veerashaiva Mahasabha. Mahasabha also comprises many Congressmen as its members.