BAGALKOT
Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah Swamiji of the Shivsharan Madara Chennaiah Gurupeeth, Chitradurga, emphasized that spirituality fosters equality across communities and strengthens the foundation of a secular nation. He was speaking at the release ceremony of Prof. H. Lingappa’s works and Adimara Charitra, which chronicles eight Dalit Sharan and Sharane Vachanakaras. The event was held at the BVV Sangha’s new auditorium, organized by the Shiv Sharanara Madara Chennaiah Seva Samiti.
Swamiji said that proving one’s cultural, social, and economic presence in society helps elevate self-esteem and secures dignity and benefits from the government. “Such critical and research-driven works answer our existential questions,” he added.
Former Minister S.R. Patil, who released the books, said Basavanna unified oppressed communities through the Sharan tradition, bringing social equality. “Back then, actions matched words. Today, there's a gap,” he noted.
Presiding over the event, Veeranna Charantimath, Executive President of BVV Sangha, stressed that many societal issues would disappear if people adhered to the ideals of the Sharan tradition. He called for more thinkers, writers, and speakers from oppressed communities to emerge and address contemporary issues.
Others present included Muthanna Bennur, Shivananda Tavali, N.S. Mahantesh, Meerasabihalli Shivanna, M.G. Rangaswamy, G.N. Paul, Channaviregowda, M.U. Muganur, Yallappa Bendigeri, Santhosh Savanoor, and Yallappa Narayani.
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“Our society has the world’s greatest culture,” said Sharan Sahitya scholar Prof. H. Lingappa after receiving the Chalukyashri Award. He highlighted how the great thinkers from oppressed communities have significantly enriched Indian literature. Praising the Basava movement, he said it addressed caste injustices even in the 12th century and belongs to all—"a movement of the Sharan."