Mysore/Mysuru: We continue to live as cultural slaves amidst inequalities like the caste system, touchable-untouchables and haves and have-nots existing in the society. Despite this, India which is a pluralistic society has accepted everyone, said Poet Prof. S.G. Siddaramaiah, here yesterday.

Delivering the valedictory address of National Seminar organised as a part of Bahuroopi-2024 at Rangayana, he said that the country has been suffering since 3,500 years owing to charturvarna system that gave rise to caste stratification.

“Iva Nammava Iva Nammava’ is not just a slogan but a symbol of India’s pluralism. It is Basavanna, who is the symbol of pluralism and not Hindutva’s Rama. If hate-promoting politics is considered to be divine, the pluralistic politics that promotes love and affection is Basava Tatva (ideology). Writers and artistes should come together to build a harmonious society. Theatre will reach more people if it includes subjects like hunger, women issues and suffering of untouchability,” he said.

Speaking about the text book politics, Prof. Siddaramaiah said that it was important to come out with text books that interest the students and not those text books where children are forced to understand certain chapters.

Bahuroopi-2024 Convenor Prof. H.S. Umesh, Department of Kannada and Culture Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapati were present.