Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
It gives me great pleasure to part of Veera Shaiva Mahasabha. First of all, I pay my respectful homage to the sacred memory of His Holiness Hanagal Kumar Swamiji, the founder of this great institution in 1904. I respectfully remember Sri Renukacharya and Sri Basaveshwara, founders of the faith of Veershaiva - Lingayaths.
We should be thankful to all the leaders for their effort for the success of this Organisation. I sincerely express my thanks to all the presidents of this organisation. I personally thanks Sri. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Sri.Bheemanna Khandre, Sri. N.Thippanna, all office bearers and members for the achievements we have today. We are pride on Indian civilisation. Every era, and every part of this holy land of ours, has had saints and social reformers. They strove to unite the society and lead it along the path of righteousness with their enlightened thoughts and conduct.
Sri Basaveshwara is in many ways unique among the galaxy of Indian social reform. He was both a rationalist and also a spiritualist. He fought against the superstitions, injustices and inequities that had fossilised the society of his time.
He insisted that human beings became great, or remained low, based on their deeds and not on their birth. Basaveshwara spread the message of equality by relentlessly campaigning against discrimination based on the grounds of caste, class and gender. He raised his voice of protest against the sinful custom of untouchability. He not only preached, but also practiced the message of universal love and brotherhood.
We should remember his poetry with a philosophical touch, called vachanas, whose message and beauty are both imperishable. ‘Vachana Sahitya’ of Veerashaivas is a priceless and timeless contribution to India’s spiritual literature. Basaveshwara’s vachanas made it easy and simple even for common people to understand the true meaning of Dharma. After Independence, India has taken many steps to ensure social justice and equal opportunities for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other disadvantaged sections of society. Many measures have also been taken for the empowerment of women.
The service rendered by Veerashaiva-Lingayath swamijis is truly exemplary. I request all Veera Shaiva Maha Sabha members to work shoulder to shoulder with one sole for the betterment of the organisation, society and the country.
I consider myself blessed by part of Veera Shaiva Mahasabha
Wish you all the best in every moment of life
Thanking you
Yours lovingly
Ishwar Khandre
