Donors Join Hands to Honour Activist with Shelter

VIJAYAPURA

While many celebrate milestones like turning 60 with a souvenir book or public honour, a group of committed individuals chose a different path to felicitate activist Anil Hosamani — by building him a home. Known for running a printing press from a makeshift shed to spread the teachings of Ambedkar, Basavanna, and Mahatma Gandhi, Hosamani has dedicated his life to social awakening and constitutional values.

On his 60th birthday on Sunday, fellow activists and well-wishers moved his belongings into a temporary shelter to pave the way for a permanent house named Samvidhana Mane (Constitution House). Basavaraj Sulibhavi of Ladai Prakashana said the house is being constructed at a cost of ₹18 lakh, raised entirely through crowdfunding — with no political or government funds involved.

“People are contributing building materials like cement, bricks, iron, and even doors and fans. We’ve had overwhelming support from activists and organisations alike,” Sulibhavi noted. Construction began at Ibrahimpur Railway Gate with recitations of Ambedkar’s thoughts and Basavanna’s vachanas, followed by a seminar on Hosamani’s contributions at Ambedkar Bhavan.

Veteran journalist Sanathkumar Belagali praised Hosamani’s unflinching commitment and noted that both father and son are rare activists. His son, Sangharsh, is also involved in activism, continuing the family’s legacy. Hosamani’s Kannada translation of Ambedkar Sahavasadalli from Marathi even received recognition from the Karnataka Sahitya Academy.

“Hosamani never cared for his comfort, but it’s heartening that his fellow activists are now gifting him dignity — with a home on his 1,400 sq ft ancestral land,” said Belagali.