Basava Jayanti celebrated in Mysuru

Leaders and officials at the Basava Jayanti celebration in Mysuru on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

Rich tributes were paid to 12th-century social reformer Basavanna on the occasion of his birth anniversary in Mysuru on Wednesday.

The Basava Jayanti celebrations were organised by the district administration and the Department of Kannada and Culture. The event commenced with floral tributes offered to the statue of Basavanna at Basaveshwara Circle near Gun House. Leaders from various political parties, officials, and prominent personalities took part.

Among those present were Chidananda Swami of Sri Hosamath, MLA G.T. Deve Gowda, MLC Manje Gowda, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan, and other senior district officials.

Later, a programme was held at Kalamandira, inaugurated by MLA and KPCC working president Tanveer Sait, in the presence of senior officials and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sait described Basavanna as a guiding light for humanity in the 12th century and emphasised the continued relevance of his philosophy. He noted that Basavanna’s doctrine rejected gender and caste discrimination and upheld the principle of equality for all.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Shivaraju urged everyone to adopt Basavanna’s ideals in their daily lives.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Rajashekara Jamadandi. MLA T.S. Srivatsa and MLC Thimmaiah also spoke during the programme.