Mangaluru: The DK district administration, Kannada and Culture department, and karavalli Veera Shaiva Welfare Sangha, Urwa store, jointly celebrated Kranthi Yogi Sri Jagatjyothi Basava Jayanthi at Town hall on Monday.

Giri Siddeswara Swamji of Basavanagudi Mutta, Car street, Mangaluru lighted the lamp to inaugurate the celebrations. A floral offer was also made  on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy commissioner, A.B.Ibrahim, said Basaveshwara, practiced and preached equality for entire humanity and said one must work hard for his livelihood. He also referred to a recent news report of a Muslim taxi driver’s son, sworn in as Mayor of London and the swearing in ceremony held at a Cathedral (Church) and also suggested that the Mayors in Mangalurum should be sworn in at Mangala Devi Temple in future.

In the 12th century, Basaveshwara gave a new dimension to the work culture and re-established the fact that work is worship. He swam against the tide of discrimination, Ibrahim said. The interfaith dialogue followed in other countries is a strong message on how to overcome communal constraints, he added.

Zilla Panchayat President Meenakshi Shanthigodu said that Basavanna opposed discrimination against women in the 12th century itself. He fought for equal rights for women In his family and equal opportunities in religious rituals.

MUDA president Kodijal Ibrahim said that Basavanna’s compositions contain the essence of all religious scriptures. Basavanna preached that all living beings should be treated with compassion. In India, the era of intolerance has started and Basavanna’s message is of greater relevance now and the youth should follow the teachings of Basavanna.

Two achievers, one a folk singer Gidigere Ramakka in her eighty’s and the other an young girl Varsha for participating and winning in National Level sports were felicitated on the occasion.

Srividya CEO DKZP, H.N.Gopalakrishna Commissioner of Mangaluru City Corporation, Beary Sahitya Academy President Haneef,  Kannada Sahitya Parishat, DK, President  Pradeep Kumar Kalkura,  Assistant Director of department of Kannada and Culture Ravikumar  were present.