The former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Saturday described 12th-century social reformer and philosopher Basavanna as one of the greatest visionaries in human history and said that his ideals of equality, compassion and social justice remain highly relevant in addressing the challenges confronting contemporary society.

Addressing a large gathering at a foundation stone laying ceremony for the Anubhava Green City residential project and the launch of Vachana Global Ventures Limited on the outskirts of Aland town, Mr. Sadananda Gowda said that the modern world continues to grapple with growing inequality, greed and divisions based on social, economic and cultural identities.

“Society today is fragmented by various forms of inequality. While we often speak about justice and equality from public platforms, we frequently fail to practise those values in our daily lives. Basavanna was different. He lived by the principles he preached. His life and work should serve as a model for all of us. The ideas he propounded centuries ago can provide answers to many of the problems facing the world today,” he said.

Emphasising the core tenets of Sharana philosophy, including equality, kayaka (dignity of labour) and dasoha (sharing of wealth and resources), Mr. Sadananda Gowda said that the Basava path offers an enduring framework for building a peaceful and prosperous society.

“A religion without compassion has little meaning. Prosperity achieved at the cost of another person’s suffering cannot be celebrated. Basavanna stood for compassion, collective well-being and community progress,” he said.

Panditaradhya Shivacharya of Sanehalli Math, who laid the foundation stone for the Anubhava Green City project, called upon members of the Lingayat community to remain vigilant against attempts to dilute or distort the legacy of the 12th-century Sharanas.

In an apparent reference to recent controversial remarks made by Kanheri Math seer Kadsiddheshwar Swami, he urged followers of Basavanna to resist efforts aimed at undermining Basava philosophy and its egalitarian traditions.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no force succeeds in weakening or misrepresenting the values espoused by Basavanna and the Sharanas,” he said.

Basavalinga Pattadevaru of Bhalki Math formally launched Vachana Global Ventures Limited. Prominent seer Nijagunananda Swami and several heads of Lingayat mutts also participated in the programme.

MLC Shashil Namoshi, the former Aland MLA Subhash Guttedar, Vachana Group founder Allamaprabhu Navadagere, Vachana TV Editor Siddu Yapalaparvi and several community leaders were present.