Look closely at this bust. It’s not just a sculpture. It represents a revolutionary spirit that echoes even today. This is the Basaveshwara bust. It stands on the Albert Embankment.
Basaveshwara was a 12th-century Indian philosopher. He was also a social reformer. He championed democracy long before the West conceived of it. He fought for freedom of speech. He advocated respect and tolerance. These are core British values too. Basaveshwara shares a conceptual link with Britain. Britain is considered the mother of all democracies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this bust. The unveiling took place on the banks of the Thames in London. The event sparked celebration in Karnataka. This region has a large Lingayat population. Basaveshwara is a major icon for them.
Akka Annapurna said it was the first statue of Basaveshwara in a public place outside India. Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swami called it a historic occasion. The bust’s location is symbolic. It faces the home of the world’s oldest democracy.
Dr. Neeraj Patil conceived the idea for this bust. He was the former mayor of London Borough of Lambeth. He garnered support from Asian and Pakistani communities. Shivakumar Swami laid the foundation stone in 2013.
Modi described the unveiling as memorable. He noted Basaveshwara’s advocacy for democratic values. He also highlighted his work for gender equality. Basaveshwara empowered women in the 12th century.
Basaveshwara advocated these ideas long before the Magna Carta. He preceded Abraham Lincoln by 700 years. The statue serves as an inspiration. It inspires those who believe in democratic ideals and humanity.
The bust is on the lawn between Albert Embankment and the Thames. It commemorates Basaveshwara’s millennium. He is the first Kannadiga honored with commemorative coins. These coins were of Rs 5 and Rs 100 denominations. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released them in 2006.
The bust stands as a testament to Basaveshwara’s enduring legacy. His message of equality and democracy resonates across centuries. It bridges cultures. It reminds us of the power of progressive thought. It stands as a proud moment. It exemplifies the shared values between India and Britain. The plaque in the front of the plinth says: Work is worship. The plaque on the back says: Basaveshwara, pioneer of democracy and social reformer.