Mysuru: Observing that Veerashaiva-Lingayat dharma has a great history of culture and tradition, Minister for Municipal Administration Eshwar Khandre, who is also the General Secretary of Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva Mahasabha, has called upon community members to shun differences over Veerashaiva-Lingayat.

He was speaking at the 150th Jayanti celebrations of the Mahasabha Founder Sri Hanagal Kumaraswamy organised by Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva Mahasabha at Suttur Mutt premises here yesterday.

Pointing out that the main objective of Veerashaiva-Lingayat dharma is bringing about equality in the society, he said that the community, through strong individually, was weak in organisation and it was necessary that the members stay united.

Stating that Hanagal Kumaraswamy established  Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva Mahasabha in 1904, Khandre said the Mahasabha has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah to announce Veerashaiva-Lingayat dharma as a separate religion and the CM in turn, has promised to take up the issue with the Prime Minister.

Noting that the Veerashaiva Mahasabha is a representative body of Veerashaiva-Lingayats, he lauded the role of mutts in promoting harmony and culture in the society.

He underlined the need for the Mahasabha to involve all committees for building a strong society and also to ensure that the younger generation do not tread the wrong path. Bagalkot Ilkak Hiremutt’s Pt. Annadana Shastri delivered a lecture.

Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Hosamutt’s Chidananda Swamiji, Mallanamoole Mutt’s Channabasava Deshikendra Swamiji, Belagavi Adavi Siddeshwara Muttu’s Anara Siddeshwara  Swamiji, Hukkeri Mutt’s Sadashiva Swamiji, Akki Alur Virakta Mutt’s Shivabasava Swamiji graced the occasion.

Mahasabha Mysuru District President H.V. Basavaraj Hinkal, Dr. Nandish Hanche, Basava Balagagala Okkuta President T.S. Lokesh and others were present.