Mysuru, 24 may

State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that all communities should revere Basavanna, who had worked to reform the entire society.

Speaking at the Basava Jayanthi celebration in Mysuru, he announced that the Anubhava Mantap worth Rs 600 crores will be inaugurated in 2025.

Basava Jayanthi celebrations were organised jointly by Basava Balaga Okkuta and Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha.

The 12th century social reformer was a cultural leader and an economist, who had transformed the lives of millions through his Kayaka (work) philosophy of life.

“Basavanna began a revolution to end discrimination of people on the basis of caste and religion. He preached mass feeding and opposed categorization of the society on the basis of profession,” Siddaramaiah said.

Basavanna also encouraged free speech, freedom of expression and debates though Anubhava Mantap, an academy of saints, philosophers and mystics of Lingayath faith in the State, he highlighted.

Siddaramaiah also hailed the contributions Vachanas and Sharanas in enriching Kannada literature.

He also promised to release necessary grants for construction of Basava Bhavan in Mysuru city.

Siddaramaiah also inaugurated nine Indira Canteens in Hinakal, which aim to provide affordable meals to economically weaker sections of society.

“This year we're starting 184 new canteens,” he announced. “These Indira canteens which were inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi are now successfully running across the State.” He then hit out at the BJP for ignoring the canteens, opened between 2014 and 2018, during their tenure.

Siddaramaiah also said a pre-university college will be established in Hinakal village.