Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Speaker backs Basavanna statue appeal in Mumbai
Some people in India want to put a big statue of a wise man named Basavanna in the city of Mumbai.
Basavanna lived a very long time ago, in the 1100s.
He taught that everyone should be treated the same, no matter their job, family, or background.
He also said that doing your work well is like praying.
A minister named Eshwar Khandre asked the Maharashtra government to build this statue.
He was in Mumbai for a special event where his community group honored him.
The leader of the Maharashtra assembly, Rahul Narwekar, liked the idea.
He promised to talk to the Chief Minister about it.
Mr. Khandre also said that all Veerashaiva Lingayats are one big family.
He wants the statue to remind people of Basavanna's lessons about kindness and fairness.
Eshwar B. Khandre appealed to the Maharashtra government to install a statue of Vishwaguru Basavanna in Mumbai.
Khandre made the appeal after being felicitated by the Maharashtra unit of the Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha on Saturday.
He said Basavanna laid the foundation for an egalitarian society in the 12th century.
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar responded positively and assured he would discuss the proposal with the Chief Minister.
Khandre said Veerashaivas and Lingayats are not separate and have always been one community.
- Who
- Eshwar B. Khandre, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and National President of the Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar
- What
- An appeal to install a statue of Vishwaguru Basavanna in Mumbai
- When
- Saturday, when Khandre was felicitated by the Mahasabha's Maharashtra unit in Mumbai
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Why
- To recognise Basavanna's contribution to social reform and his vision of a society free from hierarchy, class and caste
Community Unity
Separate Identities
Veerashaiva-Lingayat identity
Community Unity
Khandre says Veerashaiva and Lingayat are not separate; Veerashaiva Lingayats have always been one community and no individual or organisation can divide them.
Separate Identities
Certain groups attempt to portray Veerashaivas and Lingayats as separate communities.
- Appeal by
- Eshwar B. Khandre
- Request
- Install a statue of Vishwaguru Basavanna in Mumbai
- Response
- Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar responded positively
- Next step
- Speaker to discuss proposal with the Chief Minister
- Mahasabha founded
- 1904
- Basavanna's era
- 12th century
- Philosophy cited
- "Kayakave Kailasa" (work is worship)
- Location
- Mumbai