State of Kansas proclaims April 20 as Basava Day

The State of Kansas in the U.S. has recognised the ideology of Karnataka’s 12th century social reformer Basavanna by proclaiming April 20, Basava Jayanti day, as “Basava Day” in Kansas.

The proclamation was made by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

The proclamation said: “Basava Day honours the birth and teachings of Jagadguru Basavanna, also known as Basava, a 12th century Indian philosopher and a social reformer who was said to have been a mystic by temperament, an idealist by choice, a statesman by profession, a man of letters by taste, a humanist by sympathy, and a social reformer by conviction, whose message continues to inspire people around the world.”

It also observes that Basava’s vision remains highly relevant today of a just society, free from all discrimination.

A release by Sateesh Kavi, who represents Kansas city’s Basava Group, an organisation dedicated to promoting the values of Basava, said: “We are deeply honored by Governor Kelly’s recognition of Basava Day. This proclamation celebrates the vibrant contributions of the Lingayat community and the broader Indian-American diaspora to the cultural fabric of Kansas.”