Seer livid over ‘wrong facts’ on Basavanna

Hubballi/ Belagavi: In the lesson on Basavanna in the revised textbook, we found some wrong facts and information about the reformer’s life, and the same should be corrected, said Basava Jaya Mrutyunjay Swami of Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha in Kudalasangama.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Swami said Basavanna went out of his parents’ home declaring a movement against inequality. “However, what does the textbook say? The education department is also insulting Kuvempu. None should misinterpret the teachings of Basavanna, Kuvempu or any great soul. If Basavanna’s teachings are misinterpreted, we will launch an intensified movement in the state,” he warned.
He reminded chief minister Basavaraj Bommai that his father was a staunch follower of Basavanna. “You (Basavaraj) and your father have been getting guidance from many seers. If you remain mute at this point, it’s a great insult to all Basava followers,” he said.
He also asserted that Panchamasali community members will stage a dharna near Bommai’s residence in Shiggaon on June 27 demanding 2A reservation for the community. “The CM should clarify his stand on the demand,” he said.
Massive protest in Belagavi
Condemning the alleged insult to Jnanpith laureate Kuvempu and his Naadgeete by Rohith Chakratirtha, chairperson of textbook revision committee, various pro-Kannada organisations and senior activists on Tuesday staged a huge protest opposing the committee’s revisions.
Hundreds of members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike took out a march and raised slogans against the government. They marched from Rani Channamma Circle to the DC’s office and submitted a memorandum to the DC. They burnt the effigy of Chakratirtha, and also demanded that the committee be dissolved.
Dubbing the committee as “immature”, Kannada activist Ashok Chandaragi said: “The government should not have made Chakratirtha the chief of the textbook review committee as he has insulted Nadageete and Kuvempu. The committee is trying to sow th seeds of enmity among schoolchildren. The government should believe in pluralism.”