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Deve Gowda Warns of Decline Across All Sectors, Gets Basavashree Award

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has expressed concern over a decline being witnessed across all sectors today. He made the remarks in a letter thanking Basava Vedike for announcing the 'Basavashree' award in his honour. Deve Gowda stressed the relevance of 12th-century social reformers like Basavanna, Allama, and Ambigara Chowdaiah in the present context. He also highlighted the importance of the concepts of 'Kayaka' and 'Dasoha' propagated by Basaveshwara.

Key Points: Deve Gowda Concern Over National Decline | Basavashree Honour

  • Former PM Deve Gowda gets Basavashree award
  • He warns of decline across all sectors
  • Stresses relevance of 12th-century reformers like Basavanna
  • Emphasizes need for Kayaka (work) and Dasoha (service) ideals
2 min read

Basavashree honour: Deve Gowda expresses concern over decline across all sectors ​

Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda expresses concern over decline across all sectors, thanks Basava Vedike for Basavashree award, and highlights Basavanna's 12th-century ideals.

"Intellectuals are turning cynical about the deterioration of the system and people's movements are weakening. - H.D. Deve Gowda"

Bengaluru, April 27

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda expressed concern on Monday that a decline is being witnessed across all sectors today.​

In a letter thanking Basava Vedike for announcing the 'Basavashree' award in his honour, he stressed the relevance and importance of the Vachana saints in the present context.​

He said that intellectuals are turning cynical about the deterioration of the system and that people's movements are weakening. Therefore, he emphasised the need today for the philosophical depth of Allama, the activism of Basavanna, and the assertiveness of Ambigara Chowdaiah, all social reformers of the 12th century who fought the caste system.​

He noted that Basavanna propagated a divine principle that eliminated discrimination between the rich and the poor, men and women, and all forms of social hierarchy, through the ideals of monotheism and the dignity of labour.​

He said Basavanna built a 'Mahamane', a people's institution, by the people and for the people, and regarded the palace of King Bijjala as insignificant. The Kalyana revolution, led by him, produced thousands of Sharanas and Sharanes (male and female authors) whose Vachanas, born of their spiritual and lived experiences, enriched Kannada literature and spread culture and values.​

The former Prime Minister said that the special programme organised by Basava Vedike on the occasion of Basava Jayanti is truly commendable.​

He offered respectful salutations to Sri Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who is presiding over the event. He added that the organisers may have decided to confer the 'Basavashree' award on him either out of affection or due to his advanced age.​

He humbly stated that he was not deserving of the award and bowed, with hesitation and humility, to the affection shown towards him.​

He described Basaveshwara's 12th-century movement as a great people's movement and a remarkable political, economic, social, literary, and cultural revolution. He added that the concepts of 'Kayaka' (work) and 'Dasoha' (service) remain relevant even today.​

He said he had wished to attend the programme to listen to the teachings of several scholars, including Gururaj Karjagi, but was unable to do so due to health issues.​

He sought forgiveness from the Swamiji, organisers, distinguished guests, and the devotee gathering, and wished for the programme's success and for its message to spread far and wide.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Inspiring to see a former PM speak so humbly about not deserving an award. That's the essence of Kannada culture - humility and respect for our saints like Basavanna, Allama, and Ambigara Chowdaiah. But he's right about the system deteriorating. Why are intellectuals becoming cynical? Because nobody listens to them anymore. 😌
V
Vikram M
Deve Gowda pointing out decline in all sectors - that's rich coming from someone whose tenure as PM saw economic stagnation and poor governance. But I agree with his praise of Basavanna's ideals. The 12th century movement against caste discrimination is still relevant. Sadly, today's politicians only talk about caste instead of fighting it.
R
Rohit P
True that! Basavanna's concept of 'Mahamane' - a people's institution for the people - is what we need today. Instead, we see institutions becoming family properties. Deve Gowda ji should practice what he preaches. His own party is a family affair! 👀 But I respect his humility about the award.
K
Kavya N
This is such a beautiful letter. The way he connects 12th century reformers to modern problems shows his depth. Basavanna's feminism - treating men and women equally - was revolutionary for its time. And Ambigara Chowdaiah's assertiveness against caste hierarchy... we need that fire again. Today's youth should read Vachana literature.
S
Siddharth J
Deve Gowda is absolutely correct about the decline. Look at our education system - rote learning, no critical thinking. Healthcare? Only for the rich. Economy? Jobs are vanishing. Basavanna's

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