Seers use 1881 Census to say Lingayat was a religion

DHNS
August 31, 2017

Bengaluru, Aug 31: A cohort of seers on Wednesday reiterated their demand for minority religious status for Lingayats, readying one more representation that will be submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Seers from several influential Lingayat mutts gathered for a “decisive meet” organised by Jana Samanyara Vedike-Karnataka at Basava Bhavan in the city, where it was declared that Veerashaiva and Lingayats are not the same. In fact, the seers dug out a copy of the 1881 Imperial Census of India where ‘Lingayat’ finds a mention and another 1893 publication where Veerashaiva is listed as one of the 38 sub-sects under Lingayat.

“There is a provision for the Central government to declare Lingayat as a separate and minority religion. The previous UPA government in 2014 accorded minority status to Jains under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004,” the forum said in a statement addressed to the chief minister.

Kannada actor Chetan Kumar also joined the chorus. “Let there be no doubt that Veerashaiva and Lingayat are not the same. Veerashaiva is a sanatana dharma in which discrimination on caste lines still exist, coupled with superstition and prevalence of middlemen such as priests. The followers of Basavanna do not subscribe to that,” he said. The meeting was briefly disrupted when a person in the audience took exception to Kumar’s comment on BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa.

Panchamasali Peeta seer Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami, Bylur Nishkala Mantapa Nijagunananda Swami, Mysuru Basava Jnana Mandira seer Sharane Mata Basavanjali, Bidar Basava Kendra seer Mata Akka Annapurna, Tumakuru Koratagere Basava Mahalinga Swami, former Bangalore University Vice Chancellor N Prabhu Dev among others were part of the meeting.

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News Network
February 24,2025

Karnataka's Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, announced that skill-oriented classes will be introduced for students of grades 8 to 12 alongside the regular curriculum from the next academic year.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Skill and Employment Fair organized by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and Skill Development Department at the National College of Education, in Shivamogga, he emphasized the importance of skill-based education in shaping students' futures.

"Introducing skill training at an early stage will help students acquire expertise in their chosen fields, secure desired jobs, and lead self-reliant lives," the minister stated.

To improve job opportunities for youth, Bangarappa proposed a transport facility for job seekers. Instead of organizing job fairs at the taluk level—where employer participation is limited—he suggested conducting them at district headquarters with free bus services for registered candidates from rural and urban areas. This initiative will be discussed with concerned officials and implemented next year, he added.

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News Network
February 20,2025

boy.jpg

Puttur, Feb 20: In a heartbreaking incident a 13-year-old boy died by suicide at Tannirupanta village in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada. 

The deceased has been identified as Shravan, a Class 7 student at a private school in Uppinangady. He was the son of Dombayya Gowda. 

According to reports, Shravan had dinner with his mother on Tuesday night (February 18), which included a chicken dish prepared by his aunt. 

After his mother fell asleep, he is believed to have taken his own life by hanging himself from a ceiling fan. Disturbingly, he had saved some of the chicken dish for the next day’s meal and had gathered flower buds for morning prayers, making the incident even more puzzling.

Described as a cheerful and well-liked student, Shravan showed no apparent signs of distress, leaving family, friends, and teachers shocked by his tragic decision. He is survived by his parents and a sister.

As a mark of respect, his school organized a silent prayer to honor his memory.

Mental health matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. Call the toll-free helpline at 9152987821. Remember, no problem is too big to be solved.

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