Bidar (Karnataka), Apr 22 (PTI) AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that man is not born for the sake of religion; rather, religions are created for the welfare of human beings.
He said this while speaking at the Amrit Mahotsava (75th birth anniversary) celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram in Bhalki, Bidar district.
“Everyone should unite as a human community. Religion is needed. Man is not born for religion; religions have been created for the welfare of human beings. Unless you understand this, you cannot progress,” Kharge said.
Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, and Minister Eshwar Khandre were among those present at the event.
Noting that 12th-century social reformer Basavanna rejected “Manuwada” and “Chaturvarna” (social framework), Kharge said that by opposing them, Basavanna established a “new social order” by uniting people from all castes.
He said Basavanna established the Anubhava Mantapa, revered as the first spiritual parliament, with Allama Prabhu, a leader from a backward community, as its head.
“Unless we say that we are all one, no religion can grow,” he added.
Noting that Buddhism was once widely practised in India and beyond its borders, the Congress chief said that although it flourished in other countries, it faced several challenges in its country of origin. “The same should not happen to Basavanna’s teachings. Keeping this in mind, we must promote his philosophy,” he said.
Stating that he follows Buddha, Basavanna, Ambedkar, Narayana Guru, and Kabir, Kharge said they were all humanist scholars who worked for the welfare of society.
He further said superstition is widespread in society. “As a politician, I cannot say certain things. If I say something, it becomes news. What I say and what appears in newspapers or on TV is often different, so I will not speak much,” he added. PTI KSU SSK
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