Kalaburagi convention on Basaveshwara sparks row over 'Hindu' in title

A proposed religious gathering in Kalaburagi has become the focus of a public disagreement among seers and followers of Basava philosophy, with two groups of religious heads taking opposing positions on the event and the way it has been named.

The Basavadi Sharanara Hindu Samavesha is scheduled to be held in Kalaburagi city on September 27. On Saturday, Koraneshwara Swami of the Anubhava Mantap in Aland and Basava Prabhu Swami of Gunateerthawadi in Basava Kalyan told reporters that they opposed the convention. They contended that it could lead to a different reading of the vachanas of Basaveshwara, the 12th-century social reformer, and leave his followers confused.

Basava Prabhu Swami took particular exception to the use of the word "Hindu" in the event's title. He said the organisers ought to drop the term and keep the gathering strictly within the philosophical and social framework of the Sharana tradition.

Koraneshwara Swami referred to the participation of Adrushya Kadasiddeshwar Swami of Kaneri Mutt in similar programmes in the past, saying some of his remarks had offended those who follow Basaveshwara's ideology. He argued that the philosophy should not be interpreted in a way that weakened its core principles.

Both seers extended their support to a protest being organised in Kalaburagi on September 25 by the Basava Tatva Haagu Samvidhana Rakshana Horata Samiti, which is aimed at opposing the inclusion of the word "Hindu" in the name of the convention.

A second group of religious heads, however, came out in defence of the event. Parmananda Swami of Aland and Chandragund Swami of Honnakiranagi said there was no question of either distorting or misinterpreting Basaveshwara's vachanas. They said around 300 religious heads from various Mutts were expected to take part in the September 27 gathering.

Parmananda Swami said Kadasiddeshwar Swami would speak mainly about agricultural practices and issues concerning farmers, with the aim of helping them improve their knowledge and economic prospects. While the Swami would refer to Basaveshwara's vachanas, reading them in a contemporary context could not be equated with changing or distorting their meaning, he said.

"Basaveshwara's vachanas can be recited and discussed on any platform," the seer said, asking on what basis their interpretation was being opposed. He also rejected the argument that the teachings of Basaveshwara should be separated from the wider Hindu tradition, asking whether the Sharanas were not Hindus, and said the spiritual and philosophical legacy of the Sharanas could be discussed in a broader religious and social context.

Chandrakant Patil, organising president of the samavesha, said official permission for the event was yet to be granted. Preparatory meetings would be held across the taluks of the district to mobilise public participation and ensure the event's success, he added.