Mysuru: Expressing regret that Veerashaivas were found lacking in historical knowledge when compared to  Brahmin community, writer Maleyur Guruswamy said that any community cannot prosper until it develops historical sense.

He was speaking at Basaveshwara Jayanti programme organised by Veerashaiva Sajjana Sangha at Sri Kanti Mallana Kalyana Mantap in Mandi Mohalla here yesterday.

Stating that not many knew about Kanti Mallanna and Basavarajaiah (Proprietor of the city’s Premier Studios — the first cinema studio in  the State), Guruswamy reiterated that any community cannot intellectually grow unless it has a strong historical sense.

Noting that Brahmin community had developed administrative skills because of strong historical sense, Guruswamy said that Basavanna always strived for uniting all communities.

Stating that there was still confusion in the society on whether to call the community Veerashiavas or Lingayats, he said that the name board at Bengaluru’s Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva Mahasabha is now read as Akhila Bharath Veerashaiva/Lingayat Mahasabha.
When questioned about this, he learnt that those who lived before Basavanna were called Veerashaivas and those who lived in post-Basavanna era were called as Lingayats, he said.

Gundlupet MLA Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad also spoke on the occasion. Tobacco Board Vice-President at Periyapatna P.V. Basavarajappa was felicitated on the occasion.

Meritorious students of seventh standard, SSLC & PUC and blood donors were presented a memento. Also, the winners of various contests were distributed prizes.

Mysuru Veerashaiva Sajjana Sangha President M.N. Jai Prakash, Vice-President S.R. Jagadish, Hon. Secretary M.T. Mallikarjuna, Joint Secretary C. Prabhudev, Treasurer M.C. Pranesh Kumar and others were present.

Later, a portrait of Basavaveshwara was taken out in a procession from Kanti Mallanna Kalyana Mantapa, passing through the main thoroughfares of the city. Earlier, dancer Tanmaya gave a performance.