Free meal programme launched for patients at Basaveshwara hospital in Kalaburagi

Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society president and Legislative Council member Shashil G. Namoshi (left) at the launch of Basavaprasada, a programme to provide free meals to patients at Basaveshwara hospital in Kalaburagi, during Basava Jayanthi celebrations on April 30, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

In a heartfelt tribute to 12th century social reformer Basavanna, Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society (HKES) launched a free nutritious meal initiative, named ‘Basavaprasada’, at the Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital in Kalaburagi on the occasion of Basava Jayanti on April 30.

Inaugurating the programme, HKES president and Legislative Council member Shashil G. Namoshi emphasised Basavanna’s visionary ideals of kayaka (dignity of labour) and dasoha (free meal).

“Basavanna rejected gender discrimination and called for an egalitarian society where every individual earns through honest work and shares with others. His teachings remain a global model for inclusive living,” he said.

The ‘Basavaprasada’ program aims to provide free nutritious meals to in-patients, and is entirely donation-driven. Donors can contribute ₹11,000 to sponsor a day’s meal. Mr. Namoshi contributed ₹55,000 on behalf of his family, presenting the cheque to hospital officials during the launch. Additionally, HKES central office staff contributed ₹17,100 towards the initiative.

“The idea was born from the inspiration of the Sharana movement’s ethos,” Mr. Namoshi said. “It brings me joy that on this Basava Jayanti, we are beginning a meaningful initiative that reflects those values.”

The event was held in the presence of Rajshekhar Shivacharya of Chowdapuri Hiremath, Kalaburagi, who lauded the initiative and contributed ₹11,000 from his math. “Launching ‘Basavaprasada’ in line with Basavanna’s philosophy of dasoha is truly commendable,” he said.

Hospital Director and HKES Board member Dr. Sharanabasappa Haraval and board members Dr. Mahadevappa Rampure, Sainath Patil, Dr. Anilkumar Pattana, Anilkumar Margol, Dr. Kiran Deshmukh, and Naganna Ghanti were among those present at the event.