Mon May 26 15:06:58 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Lokayukta Releases English Translation of Basavanna’s Vachanas, Highlighting Enduring Relevance**
Belagavi, Karnataka – May 26, 2025 – Lokayukta B.S. Patil unveiled “My Me Is Thee,” an English translation of Basavanna’s Vachanas, penned by police officer Basavaraj Yeligar, in a ceremony held in Bengaluru on Monday.
Patil lauded Basavanna’s selfless dedication to societal reform, challenging discriminatory practices rooted in gender, class, and caste. He emphasized the continued relevance of Basavanna’s teachings, noting the persistence of similar social challenges even today.
Yeligar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police from Vijayapura, shared his lifelong connection to Vachanas, inspired by his parents’ introduction during his childhood. Driven by a desire to offer a fresh perspective, he embarked on this translation project, recognizing existing translations but feeling the need for another. He also revealed his future plans to translate the Vachanas of other prominent figures, including Akkamahadevi, Allama Prabhu, and Chennabasavanna.
Film-maker T.S. Nagabharana praised the collaborative spirit of the Sharanas and commended Basavanna’s success in uniting reformers from diverse backgrounds. He also noted the value of translations in disseminating Basavanna’s thoughts globally.
Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha president Shankar Bidri highlighted the efforts of the Australia Basava Samiti in promoting English translations of the Vachanas.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Kannada Sahitya Parishad secretary Padmini Nagaraj, thinker Jambunath Malimath, Florida VV Theology Department professor Ben Gill, and others. Orator Mahantesh Biradar, Sharanu Sabarad, Commissioner Agriculture Y.S. Patil, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjiv Patil were also present.
First Piper 