In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Karnataka government has declared the 12th-century Lingayat philosopher Basavanna as the state’s cultural leader.
Demanding this recognition, prominent Lingayat seers and leaders from North Karnataka had advocated for Basavanna’s acknowledgment as a cultural leader.
Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil emphasized Basavanna’s influential leadership and the establishment of the 12th-century Anubhava Mantapa center, attributing it to Basavanna’s contributions. The decision to honor him as the cultural leader aims to recognize his pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the state.
Addressing concerns about the timing and any potential political motives ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Minister Eshwar Khandre dismissed such notions. He asserted that Basavanna’s philosophy encompasses the ideologies of various great leaders, emphasizing the decision’s intrinsic value beyond electoral considerations.
Minister MB Patil had previously proposed renaming Vijayapura after Basavanna, further highlighting the government’s efforts to honor the philosopher’s legacy.
Basavanna, hailing from North Karnataka, was renowned for his social reforms. Notably, he established the Anubhava Mantapa in Basavakanyan, Bidar district, creating a platform for individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to engage in discussions on various issues.
