Efforts to spread Basava philosophy

VIJAYAPURA – Deputy Superintendent of Police Basavaraj Yaligar was felicitated for his remarkable work in translating the vachanas of Basavanna into English, making the 12th-century saint's philosophy accessible to a global audience. At the ceremony, Minister for Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil announced financial assistance of ₹5 crore to support the translation of Basava’s vachanas and philosophy into five or six major world languages.

Praising Yaligar’s dedication, Patil highlighted that despite his demanding role, Yaligar undertook the translation with passion and commitment. He stated that Basava’s vision was of a caste-free, inclusive society and that Lingayat is not a caste but a religion built on equality. "Had the Kalyana revolution continued, Basava's ideals might have spread across the entire nation," he remarked.

Patil criticized ongoing attempts to distort Basava’s legacy, noting false vachanas being circulated and historical erasure of the 12th-century social movement. He emphasized the need to protect and promote the cultural wealth of vachana literature.

Dr. Siddharama Beldala Sharanaru of Basava Kalyana’s Basava Mahamane Institute stressed that Basava’s teachings transcend community and geography. Tablighi Jamaat head Maulana Abubakar announced plans to translate the vachanas into Hindi and Urdu, along with a comparative study of Buddhism, Basava, Ambedkar, and Islam.

Prof. Gil Ben Herut from Florida, USA, expressed his deep inspiration from vachana literature.

Former MLC Arun Shahapur, writers Devanur Shankar, C.C. Hemalata, and B.R. Banasode also spoke. SP Lakshman Nimbargi, ADC Somalinga Gennur, and former MLA Raju Alagur were among those present.