Leaders of different communities hail Sharanabasaveshwara Jathra as a symbol of equality and communal amity
KALABURAGI; In a rare show of unity the leaders of different communities and political parties hailed the Sharanabasaveshwar Jathra, conducted annually to commemorate the death anniversary of 18th Century Saint and Social Reformer Lord Sharanabasaveshwara scheduled to be held on March 30 in Kalaburagi city, as a symbol of equality and communal amity.
The Dasoha Mahamane in the sprawling complex of Sharanabasaveshwar shrine witnessed a congragetation of leaders from all the communities including Muslims, Dalits, Lingayats, backward classes, and oppressed sections of the society on Wednesday in the presence of 8th Mahadasoha Peetadhipathi of the Sharanabasaveshwar Samasthan Poojya Dr Sharanabaswappa Appaji , Chairperson of the Sharanabasaveshwar Vidya Vardak Sangha Matoshree Dr Dakshayini Avvaji, Secretary of the Sangha Mr Basavaraj Deshmukh to address a joint press conference to express their appreciation and solidarity for the grand organization of the Rathotsava of Lord Sharanabasaveshwar and the Jathra Mahatosav. The leaders noted that the annual Jathra which is held in the Jathra Maidan, opposite to the Sharanabasaveshwar Shrine for the past 202 years would be held with more gaiety and fervor this year and for coming years also.
Prominent among others from all the communities included Gulbarga North MLA Ms Khaneez Fatima, State President of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti D G Sagar, former corporator and dalit leaders Babu Suntan, District Veerashaiva Samaj President Mr Arunkumar Patil, Gulbarga South MLA Mr Allamprabhu Patil, Senior Backward class leader and MLC Mr Thippannappa Kamakanur, representatives of the different trade bodies led by the President of the Grains and Seed Merchant Association Mr Srimant Udnoor and others.
Speaking on the occasion Ms Khaneez Fatima said that the Sharanabasaveshwar Shrine is a symbol of communal amity and had showed way to others on how the bondage between the two communities can be further strengthened through mutual tolerance and respect towards each other. Lord Sharanabasaveshwar and Sufi Saint Khaja Banda Nawaz had always remained as two eyes for the people of the region and had guided the people to remain united.
Pro Chancellor of the Khaja Banda Nawaz University Dr Syed Mohd Ali Al-Hussaini, who is also the son of Sajjada Nasheen of the Khaja Banda Nawaz Dargah Dr Syed Shah Khusroo Hussaini, who was scheduled to participate in the meet could not attend due to emergency pre-occupation in Hyderabad and had sent a message to Poojya Appaji expressing his happiness and support for the successful organization of the Sharanabasaveshwar Jathra. Matoshree Dr Dakshayini Avvaji in her address thanked all the community leaders for expressing solidarity and participating in the joint press meet.
President of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti Mr D G Sagar in his address said Sharanabasaveshwar Samasthan had always been a champion of equality and never discriminated the people on the lines of caste and communal lines. Mr Allamprabhu Patil MLA and Mr Kamakanur, MLC in their address traced the history of the Samasthan and how the Jathra was being held for the past more than 200 years in the Jathra Maidan and pointed out that even during Corona-19 outbreak the Jathra was held without a break. They pointed out that the Samasthan besides offering the Dasoha of feeding the hungry stomach had gone one step ahead by extended Gnana Dasoha of dispersing knowledge through its chain of educational institutions. Sangha Secretary Mr Basavaraj Deshmukh welcomed.
Principal of the Sharanabasaveshwar Arts College Dr Suresh Nandagoan ,Mr Arunkumar Patil and Mr Srimanth Udnoor also spoke. Registrar of the Sharnbasva University Dr Anilkumar Bidve proposed vote of thanks. Dean of the University Dr Lakshmi Patil Maka, Finance Officer Mr Kiran Maka were among others present.