Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the South Bank during his visit to unveil the statue of a well-known 12th century political philosopher, statesman and poet Basaveshwara of Karnataka at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens on Albert Embankment in London. Prime Minister Modi himself chanted “Basaveshwaraji Amar Raho” and “Basaveshwara Zindabad” while unveiling this statue in a bid to pay rich tribute to this great soul.
The Indian Prime Minister was given a traditional welcome on his arrival at the venue. On this occasion, Modi said he was blessed to have been given this opportunity to unveil the statue of Basaveshwara on the land of England. Recalling Basaveshwara’s incredible contribution, Modi said, “It was Basaveshwara who not only advocated the ideals of democracy but also had them rightly put into practice much before the Magna Carta. He is the one behind forming what we call it today as ‘parliament’. “He persistently fought against evil forces, caste systems and similarly encouraged women empowerment,” Modi added.
"When I was with David Cameron he showed me Magna Carta. But it was Basaveshwara who gave the principles of democracy long before Magna Carta," Modi said. “He surely did advocate for equality even during those times. When it comes to democracy, we recall Abraham Lincoln but it was again Basaveshwara who had endorsed the same idea of democracy well before 700 years of Lincoln,” Modi added.
Describing Basaveshwara as a Karma Yogi, Modi said that he spread the message of 'work is worship' for he believed in this principle. The Indian Prime Minister further underscored that it was a matter of pride for every Indian to see Basaveshwara statue on foreign land and this would surely be an inspiration for the devotees of democracy. “He is the one who initiated democratic values at the grass root level,” expounded Modi.
Modi lauded Basaveshwara for his great deeds and offered him his prayer saying that India is proud to give birth to such a great soul and the world will forever respect and admire him for enlightening democratic values. British Parliament Speaker John Bercow, Member of Parliament for Leicester East Keith Vaz, Member of Parliament for Croydon North Steve Reed and other dignitaries, including a large number of Indians, were present during the function.
