75TH YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF PUJYA DR. BASAVALINGA SWAMIJI

On the occasion of the 75th Year Celebrations of Pujya Dr. Basavalinga Swamiji, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji; Hon’ble Minister, District In-charge, Bidar, Shri Eshwar Khandre Ji; Hon’ble Minister of Municipal Department, Government of Karnataka, Shri Rahim Khan Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Bidar, Shri Sagar Khandre Ji; M.L.A, Bidar South, Dr. Shailendra Beldale Ji; Former M.L.A, Bhalki, Shri Prakasha Khandre Ji; Pujya Swami Ji of Hiremath Samsthan Bhalki; Shri Nadoja Dr. Basavalinga Pattadevaru Ji; Shri Jagadguru Dr. Shiddaram Mahaswami Ji, Gadag Former MP Bidar, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba Ji; Former M.L.A. Bhalki,Shri Prakash Khandre Ji and , other distinguished dignitaries.

I am extremely happy to be here with you all in the spiritually rich region of Bidar. Bidar, with its glorious past of learning and spiritual movements, has long been a meeting ground of ideas, faith, and reform. This place has a historical significance – known for the great sage Basavanna Ji. He strongly opposed social discrimination and worked towards creating an equal society.

Bhalki, in particular, stands as a vibrant centre of Basava philosophy, where service and spirituality blend seamlessly through institutions like Hiremath Samasthan. It is in the sacred land of Kalyana, Sage Basavanna Ji conducted the Anubhava Mantapa, world’s first spiritual forum. The ideals of continue to inspire generations.  The sacred land of Kalyana is Anubhava Mantapa forever blessed by the revolutionary vision of Sage Basavanna.

It is a moment of immense joy and spiritual significance as we gather here today to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of His Holiness, Pujya Dr. Basavalinga Pattadevaru Ji. I extend my heartiest congratulations to you, Pujya Swamiji. I am told that Swamiji has never celebrated his own birthday, choosing instead to dedicate the day to the welfare of the children under his care.  That humility itself speaks volumes about his character.

Pujya Swamiji of the lineage of Dr. Channabasava Pattadevaru Ji, is more than a spiritual leader. He is a true embodiment of compassion and service.  In acts that reflect extraordinary humanity, he has embraced abandoned and orphaned children, giving them shelter, dignity, education, and hope.

More than 500 children today find a home, a future, and a purpose under his care — a living example of Anna Daasoha, Akshara Daasoha and Arogya Daasoha. His visionary commitment to education has transformed countless lives.  What began as a humble initiative has grown into a vast network of over 60 institutions, educating more than 20,000 students.  For many children from marginalized backgrounds, this has opened doors to many opportunities.

Pujya Swamiji has also enriched society through his writings and teachings. His efforts to spread Sharana philosophy across linguistic and regional boundaries stand as a testament to his dedication.  Through yatras, discourses, and publications, he has carried the message of equality and spiritual wisdom far and wide. His leadership extends beyond the spiritual sphere. As the President of the Federation of Lingayat Swamigal, he has worked tirelessly for the community. His initiatives from community service to cultural revival, reflect his commitment to translating ideals into action.

The vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” is an emotional and civilizational call by our beloved Prime Minister, Shriman Narendra Modi Ji. This is not just a statement.  It affirms that India’s development and heritage must go hand in hand. Earlier, it was wrongly felt by many that modernity required distancing ourselves from our cultural and spiritual roots.  But this vision of our Hon’ble PM has challenged that mindset.  His clear and firm vision that Bharat can be -technologically advanced, economically strong, and globally influential, while remaining deeply rooted in its civilizational ethos, has helped Bharat reach great heights in the global stage.

The renewed emphasis on ancient temples, traditional festivals, yoga, Sanskrit, and civilization-al history has fostered a sense of pride among millions. Projects such as the development of pilgrimage corridors, restoration of heritage sites, and global recognition of yoga have strengthened the awareness of India’s spiritual legacy. This revival is not merely about structures; it is about restoring self-confidence.  For many, it has reconnection to Sanatana Dharma. It is a celebration of the philosophy of unity, its respect for nature, its timeless teachings of duty (dharma).

Only yesterday, I had addressed the officers on the Civil Services Day. I was speaking about women in civil services, and today, when I reached here, I was pleased to see that the Bidar Collector is a lady officer. I believe that Nari Shakti is more than about empowering women—it is about empowering society as a whole.  Women, in every field they serve, bring the mother’s touch—a blend of empathy and compassion. When women rise, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and nations progress.

Religious Centres, with their deep roots and wide influence, can become powerful agents of this transformation.  By blending tradition with progressive action, they can help build a society that is spiritually rich, and also just and inclusive. Let us all work together to ensure that faith becomes a force for equality, and tradition becomes a path to empowerment.

Today, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pujya Swamiji, we are celebrating a milestone. We are honouring a life dedicated to truth, service, and humanity.  I offer my deepest respects to His Holiness for being a guiding light to humanity.

On this occasion, let us resolve to carry forward the universal vision of great Sage Basavanna- To create a society rooted in equality, compassion, and dharma. Living for oneself is not a sin, but living only for oneself is a dis-service to the larger good. Pujya Swamiji has led a life of selfless service, dedicating every moment to the welfare of society and the upliftment of humanity. Let us draw inspiration from his noble philosophy and commit ourselves, in our own humble ways, to building a more compassionate, equitable, and just society.

• Jai Hind!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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