M.B. Patil: Veerashaiva-Lingayat institutions played key role in North Karnataka's education
Heerada Sugamma School, the first educational institution established by the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha, began its centenary celebrations in Ballari on Saturday, with leaders emphasising the vital role community organisations have played in spreading education in North Karnataka. Named after Heerada Sugamma, the school has been a beacon of learning for a century, producing generations of students who have contributed to the region's development.
Inaugurating the two-day event, Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil said Veerashaiva-Lingayat institutions had contributed significantly to education in the region even before Independence. He noted that these institutions had been sustained and developed over the years through contributions from several individuals. He stressed the need to preserve cultural traditions while embracing modernity. "Artificial intelligence and robotics are making a significant impact across sectors, and we need to pay attention to these emerging fields. With foreign universities entering the country, our educational institutions must provide education that enables students to compete with them," Mr. Patil said.
He cited examples of Siddaganga Mutt and Gavisiddeshwara Mutt in Koppal, which have provided education to thousands of children without restricting services to any particular community. He also called for the efficient utilisation of donations made towards building educational institutions, and expressed hope that such institutions would continue to contribute to society. Recalling the efforts to establish educational facilities in the Kalyana Karnataka region, he said former Chief Minister S. Nijalingappa had facilitated the collection of a 2.5% cess from farmers for the purpose. Mr. Patil urged the government to simplify rules for establishing colleges and to ensure quality education.
The seer of Mahanta Mutt, Emmiganur, said Veerashaiva Mutts had served society not merely through religious institutions but by establishing schools and spreading knowledge. The traditions of anna dasoha and akshara dasoha contributed to an egalitarian society, he said, recalling Basavanna's message that all people should live in happiness. The mutts, he added, had been instrumental in spreading the light of knowledge.
During the ceremony, Legislative Council member Shashil G. Namoshi released a souvenir brought out on the centenary. Minister B. Nagendra laid the foundation for installing stone statues of the seers of Hanagal and Ujjaini and of Heerada Sugamma. He noted that both he and his father had studied in colleges run by the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha. Ballari MP E. Tukaram laid the foundation for free hostels planned by the sangha. Describing Heerada Sugamma as "Akshara Avva" (mother of letters), he urged people to contribute to the development of educational institutions and work for social progress while upholding the Constitution.
The event was attended by former Minister Allam Veerabhadrappa, sangha president K. Kanekal Mahantesh, seers of Palthur, All-India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha women's wing national president Veena Kashappanavar, Mayor P. Gaddeppa, Lidkar chairman Mundrigi Nagaraj, school management committee president and sangha joint secretary Meti Yalpi Pampanagouda, and sangha vice-president Janekunte Basavaraj, among others.
As the centenary celebrations continue on Sunday, the institution stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community-driven education, balancing tradition with the demands of a changing world.
