Pic: Dignitaries lay the foundation stone for Panchamasali Community Hall in Haveri on FridayHaveri: Vachananda Swamiji of the Harihar Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha urged all Veerashaiva Lingayats in Karnataka to unite to secure central OBC reservation. He spoke on Friday at the 201st victory celebration of freedom fighter Veer Rani Kittur Chennamma in Haveri after inaugurating the event and paying floral tributes.He emphasised that not only Panchamasali Lingayats but all Veerashaiva Lingayats should convey the message of unity to obtain central OBC reservation, adding that without this unity, their existence was at risk. While individual homes and communities could remain, all Veerashaiva Lingayats must come together as a whole. A legal battle for reservation was already underway, and the letter from the Central Backwards Classes Commission reached the state cabinet. If the govt discussed it in the cabinet and recommended it to the centre, the community would receive OBC reservation with a 27% quota for community officials. “OBC reservation was needed for the majority population in Karnataka,” Swamiji stated.Former CM and MP Basavaraj Bommai said Rani Chennamma was an inspiration to the youth and described the 21st century as an era of knowledge and meditation. He said those with knowledge ruled the world, while those who meditated lived healthily. He urged Panchamasalis to impart education and religious values to their children to ensure a bright future and called for unity to build the state and country. “The funding from the MP’s fund for the construction of a community hall,” he announced.Rudrappa Lamani, MLA and deputy speaker, legislative assembly, said the installation of Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle and statue was a long-standing demand. He allocated Rs 50 lakh for the circle’s development. For the development of Akkamahadevi Pond and statue construction, Rs 6.5 crore was reserved. “I am committed to constructing Basaveshwara’s equestrian statue,” he assured.The foundation stone was laid for the development of Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle for the community hall on the occasion. A talent recognition programme was held on stage for talented students of the community.Sadashiva Swamiji, Hukkeri Math; Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Trust president PD Shirur; chief religious officer BC Umapati, district president Mallikarjun Agadi; deputy commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar; Nagendra Mali; and Dr Basavaraj Veerapur were present.
