Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 26, 2020, paid homage to Lord Basaveshwara and greeted the people on the occasion of Basava Jayanthi, the Birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara, in a video message. Basava Jayanthi is an annual event celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara, a 12th century philosopher and social reformer. Global Basava Jayanthi – 2020 is being held digitallyon April 26 connecting followers in India and abroad.
In his message, the Prime Minister sought blessings of Lord Basaveshwara to give country the strength for defeating the pandemic coronavirus. He recalled that on many occasions earlier, he had the privilege of learning from the teachings of Lord Basaveshwara, be it the event of the translations of holy Vachanas into 23 languages, or the unveiling of Basaveshwara Statue in London. Describing Lord Basaveshwara as a great reformer and a great administrator, the Prime Minister said Lord Basaveshwara did not just preach about the reforms he wanted in the individuals or in the society but also adopted and inculcated them in his own life, according to a PIB release.
The Prime Minister said the teachings of Lord Basaveshwara are the source of spiritual knowledge and serve as the practical guide of our lives. His teachings teach us to be a better human being, to make our society liberal, kind and humane. He had guided our society on issues of social and gender equality, several centuries ago, the PM added.
PM Modi said Lord Basaveshwara laid the foundations of a democracy, which prioritises, and promotes the rights of person, standing on the last rungs of the society. Basavanna had touched each and every aspect of human life and had suggested solutions to improve it, he added. The PM was also pleased to note the extensive work done on the digitisation of holy Vachanas of Basavanna, the suggestion Prime Minister had made in 2017.
Appreciating the Basava Samithi for conducting April 26 event digitally across the world, the Prime Minister said this sets a perfect example for conducting an event while also following the guidelines of lockdown. He said, “Today, Indians feel that change starts with them. This belief is helping the country to overcome challenges.” While wishing the people on Basava Jayanti, the Prime Minister also stressed on following the rule of “Do Gaj Doori” in order to maintain social distance, according to a PIB release.