DAVANGERE, DHNS: Sirigere -based Taralabalu Brihanmutt Pontiff Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji suggested people to send at least one vachana to their friends and relatives daily through whatsapp and thus promote vachanas.

He was speaking at Basava Jayanti programme organised by the mutt, here on Sunday. The seer said, earlier, vachanas were being circulated on palm leaves. Now, the situation has changed and people must use social media networking sites wisely to promote vachanas. 

The seer said, "Our senior Shivakumara Shivacharya mahaswamiji had translated 101 vachanas and got them released by the then King of Jayachamaraja Wodiyar of Mysore state in 1950s. "It is a matter of pride that our mutt was the first to translate vachanas into other languages."

The seer also observed that unlike other revolutionists in the world, Basavanna did not choose the path of revolt. Instead, Basavanna initiated social revolution in the 12th century by conquering the hearts of people. In this way, Basavanna stands out from the rest of the revolutionists, he said. 

Farmer leader HR Basavarajappa said, the seer has educated rural people by setting up educational institutes in rural areas of the state. Besides, the seer had put pressure on the government to implement irrigation projects, he said. 

Thinker Nataraj S Boodal, Deputy Commissioner Shivananda Kapashi, Historian Geetha Dharmapaul from Germany, Dharwad-based Lingayat Vidyabhivruddhi Samsthe Honorary Secretary Chan- drakanth Matti also spoke on the occasion.

The book titled “Basavannanavara Shatsthalada Vachanagalu” authored by Basavanal Shivalingappa was also released on the occasion. Earlier, students of Taralabalu Residential School presented vachana dance programme. District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President B Vamadevappa welcomed the guests.