Demand to establish a Basava study centre at his birthplace Vijayapura

REGRETTING that despite 12th-century social reformer, Basaveshwara, born in Vijayapura district, Basavanna has still not been given the recognition he deserves in his birthplace, the Basava Understanding and Research Centre has urged the government to establish a Basava Study Centre at Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women's University, and also demanded a separate religious tag for Lingayats.

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Addressing media persons on Tuesday, Shahikant Pattan, President of the Centre, said that while Basavanna got recognition in many foreign countries, he has remained largely neglected in Vijayapura district itself.

Thanking the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for declaring Basavanna as Cultural Leader of Karnataka, he, however, said that mere announcement will not help in spreading the message of equality of Basaveshwara.