Mysuru/Mysore: Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda (GTD) said that Madivala Machidevaru played a key role in the setting up of ‘Anubhava Mantapa’ envisaged by the 12th century social reformer Basavanna.

He was speaking after inaugurating Madiwala Machidevara Jayanti celebrations organised by the District Administration in association with Kannada and Culture Department and Madiwala Machidevara Jayantyotsava Samiti at Kalamandira here yesterday.

Pointing out that Machidevaru explained the pains and plight of the oppressed sections through his Vachanas, Devegowda said that Machidevaru was a great Philosopher who strived throughout his life for cleansing the societal evils and discriminatory practices.

Stressing on the need for micro communities to come together and celebrate Jayantis of great Philosophers and Saints, he said that Machidevaru succeeded in cleansing the bad thoughts among the people through his Vachanas in the 12th century.

Noting that Madiwala community is one among the very few communities which light up the torch-light to invoke the almighty, he said that he was very much delighted to see the big audience for the celebration.

G.T. Devegowda called upon the community members to educate their children and to avail all the benefits extended to the community by the Government.

Chamaraja MLA L. Nagendra said that Madiwala community is following Basavanna’s preaching of ‘Work is worship’ culture. Highlighting the role of Machideva in upholding the dignity of Madiwala community in the 12th century, he called upon the community to come to mainstream society through education. Nagendra promised to develop the Dobi Ghat along Kukkarahalli Lake, by providing necessary infrastructure.

Earlier, a grand procession featuring a host of folk and cultural troupes, was taken out from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Palace North Gate to Kalamandira.

Kannada and Culture Assistant Director H. Channappa, Mysuru Tahsildar Rakshit, writer Y.D. Mahadev Kumar, Mysuru District Madiwala Association President Chandrashekar Bhyri, office-bearers S.J. Prashanth, Ramesh, Shivanna Duddagere, Siddappaji  Alanahalli and others were present.