Lingayat Seer Urges Community to Declare Religion as ‘Lingayat

Rapid Summary

• Event: A public function titled ‘Basava Samskruti Abhiyana’ was held in Dharwad, Karnataka, featuring Lingayat seers from various mutts across the state.
• key message: Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami urged Lingayat community members to record their religion as “Lingayat” under the “Others” column during Karnataka’s forthcoming socio-economic and educational survey due to its absence in the census.
• Campaign Aim: The campaign promotes awareness of 12th-century reformer Basavanna’s ideology and contributions, along with those of other vachana writers. It emphasizes egalitarianism, social reforms, and combating misconceptions related to its motives.
• Seer Remarks:

– Allegations about funding by the state government were denied; expenses were shared by community members and individual mutts.
– Criticism raised against unnamed individuals supposedly opposing or misrepresenting the campaign’s intentions.

• Lecture & Book Release: Writer H.S.Anupama spoke on creating an addiction-free society following Basavanna’s principles like ‘kayaka’ (work ethic). A book on ‘Historicity of Anubhava Mantapa’ was launched.

Indian opinion Analysis

The gathering underscores ongoing efforts within Karnataka’s Lingayat community to assert identity and safeguard cultural heritage amid evolving socio-religious dynamics. Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swami’s call for officially recording “Lingayat” could further support recognition distinct from mainstream Hinduism-a topic historically fraught with debates regarding classification.

The focus on social reforms rooted in egalitarian ideals aligns with India’s broader struggle for inclusivity across caste-based divisions. Though, objections from dissenting voices demonstrate how politically sensitive issues surrounding identity can complicate movements such as this one. Nonetheless of external commentary or opposition shaping perceptions of intent-holding discussions around Basavanna’s contributions might foster deeper understanding among citizens while bolstering regional pride.

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