Emphasising that the significance of commemorating birth anniversaries of great personalities lies in embracing their principles, Raichur City MLA Shivaraj S. Patil on Monday called upon citizens to follow the teachings of 17th century social reformer and poet-saint Mahayogi Vemana to foster a better society.
Dr. Patil was speaking at a function to inaugurate Mahayogi Vemana Jayanti celebrations organised jointly by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Raichur City Municipal Corporation and the Department of Kannada and Culture at the Pandit Siddarama Jambaladinni Ranga Mandir in Raichur.
“Mahayogi Vemana led a simple life and conveyed profound moral and social messages through his poems. The celebrations of his birth anniversary should not be limited to one community alone. When all sections of society participate, the celebrations gain true meaning,” Dr. Patil said.
The MLA announced that a site has been allocated for the construction of a Vemana Mandir and promised government and personal support for the community. He also extended grants of ₹10 lakh for the establishment of a Vemana Community Hall.
Raichur Tahsildar Suresh Verma recalled that Vemana was inspired to embrace a spiritual path by Shivasharane Hemareddy Mallamma and highlighted the poet-saint’s contributions to social upliftment.
“It is our responsibility to transmit the values and teachings of Vemana and Hemareddy Mallamma to the future generations,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, meritorious students were felicitated.
Published – January 20, 2026 06:49 pm IST
