Mysuru: Observing that Veerashaiva-Lingayat Dharma is a result of 12th century social reformer Basavanna’s Samskara, former DGP Shankar M. Bidari has said that such ‘Samskara’ cannot be found in any other religion.

He was speaking after inaugurating Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Shivakumara Swamiji’s 110th birthday celebration and Pratibha Puraskar presentation programme organised by Mysuru taluk unit of Karnataka Rajya Veerashaiva-Lingayat Naukarara Kshemabhivruddhi Sangha at Dr. Sri Shviaratri Rajendra Bhavan in JSS Hospital premises here yesterday.

Stressing on the need for the community members to follow ‘Samskara’ in their daily life, Bidari noted that the community had remained backward due to its own flaws.

Regretting that the community is facing problems because of lack of unity, the former IPS Officer said that unity was the need of the hour. Calling upon the community students to take UPSC exams too seriously apart from KPSC exam, he said that one can achieve success through dedication and determination.

In all, 24 SSLC and 10 PUC students were presented Pratibha Puraskar. KAS Topper R. Aishwarya was felicitated on the occasion. Madalli Ukkinakanthe Mutt Seer Sri Sambasadashiva Swamiji graced the occasion. Sangha President M.K. Swamy presided. College of Teacher Education (CTE) faculty Swamy, Sangha office-bearers Mallikarjun, Puttarajappa, C.D. Basavaraj, S. Somashekar, P. Prabhuswamy, Kempanna and others were present.