Dalit rights group seeks restraint from religious leaders after Bidar remarks
Karnataka State Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leader Arjun Bhadre condemned remarks allegedly made at a recent religious gathering in Kalaburagi and urged religious and social leaders to protect equality and harmony. He said discussions on caste and religion should not divide communities or conflict with Basaveshwara’s teachings.
Arjun Bhadre, State convener of the Karnataka State Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, has condemned remarks allegedly made by religious figures at a gathering in Kalaburagi and called for greater responsibility in public statements. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Bhadre said the samiti strongly objected to alleged remarks by Shivakumar Swami of Chidambara Ashram in Bidar district at the Basavadi Sharanara Hindu Samavesha held in the city on September 27.
He said religious leaders and seers should protect peace, equality and social harmony, and should ensure that comments on caste and religion did not hurt the sentiments of any community. According to him, statements that conflicted with Basaveshwara’s message of equality and humanity could create confusion and disturb harmony. Mr.
Bhadre referred to the long history of caste discrimination and untouchability in Indian society and cited the work of B.R. Ambedkar against social injustice. He said Basaveshwara’s teachings emphasised equality, Kayaka, Dasoha and social justice.
He also referred to a statement attributed to Adrushya Kadasiddeshwara Swami of Kaneri Mutt that there were more churches than mutts in Bidar district. Mr. Bhadre said such a discussion should also consider Buddhist viharas in different parts of the country and the historical background of Buddhism.
He urged religious and social leaders to work for peace, mutual respect and harmony. The source material records Mr. Bhadre’s response but does not include comments from the seers named in his statement.
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