ಶ್ರೀ ಶ್ರೀಸುಜಯನಿಧಿ ತೀರ್ಥರಿಗೆ ಗುರುವಂದನೆ,

A visionary leadership leads to a developed Karnataka, says Bommai

Haveri (Ranebennur): Former CM and Haveri-Gadag MP Basavaraja Bommai said the country has a strong and visionary leadership and If Karnataka also gets similar visionary leadership, it will become a developed and prosperous state.

He was speaking at the "Karnataka Vaibhav Vicharika Habba 25" event in Ranebennur, Haveri district on Sunday.

He said  that Karnataka Vaibhav is an intellectual festival. In today's times, where intellectual thinking is declining, he  congratulate those who organized this event to revive intellectual discourse. Karnataka is a unique land; no other state can be compared to it in terms of its natural beauty, cultural heritage, traditions, and modernization. Kannada is one of the oldest languages, and inscriptions prove that their ancestors spoke Kannada even before Tamil. When a language has been alive for over 2,500 to 3,000 years, it speaks volumes about its significance, richness, and the incredible culture surrounding it.

Bommai said Karnataka is a land rich in natural resources. All rivers originating in the Western Ghats flow eastward, nourishing the fields of Karnataka's farmers. This is unlike other states, where western rivers flow westward and eastern rivers flow eastward. Karnataka has magnificent forests, vast plains, and diverse landscapes. It is a state blessed with greenery and agricultural wealth, making it truly special.

Emphasising the difference between civilization and culture, the BJP MP said earlier, they had bicycles; now, they have buses and cars. They once had grinding stones at home; now, they have been replaced by mixers. These are signs of civilization. However, their true identity, our culture, is something deeper. Karnataka Vaibhav is about reflecting on what they have become after acquiring these resources. Kannadigas excel in every field when given the opportunity, whether challenging or not. Unfortunately, they do not celebrate their achievements enough. If IT-BT and their rich cultural heritage existed in another state, it would have been marketed differently. They must take pride in Karnataka's Kannada heritage and carry it forward.

The cradle of Dasa Sahitya

The former CM said Karnataka has always been a land of equality, contentment, peace, and unity. While political narratives may differ, their literary heritage in Vachana Sahitya and Dasa Sahitya has gifted humanity profound wisdom on how to live life meaningfully and richly. The Haveri district is the birthplace of great literary figures like Kanakadasa, Shishunala Sharif, Sarvajna, and Galaganath. They need to study the cultural significance of each river—Krishna, Tungabhadra, and Kaveri each have unique cultural influences. Such studies should be encouraged.

He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047 and said Modi has already started working towards this goal. When an opposition leader questioned why he was planning for 2047, given that neither he nor we might be alive then, he responded that even if they are not here, this country and its future generations will be. History will remember their contributions, whether good or bad.

Mounting Debt unfortunate

The MP said despite being a wealthy state, it is unfortunate that Karnataka has accumulated significant debt. Last year alone, the state borrowed Rs 1.05 lakh crore, and the year before that, Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Despite such large borrowings, have farmers’ and common people’s lives improved? Have the lives of marginalized communities become better? Has the status of women improved? Have the poor seen any progress? Governance should focus on using resources efficiently to build a welfare state. Public resources should be utilized in a people-centric manner to make Karnataka truly prosperous.

That is why our Prime Minister speaks about 'Virasat' (Heritage) and 'Vikas' (Development). The goal is not to make the government rich but to make people prosperous. Economic empowerment is essential. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a budget designed to uplift people’s financial well-being. When citizens prosper, the country develops, Bommai said.

He said the Bharat currently has strong and visionary leadership, and if Karnataka also gets such leadership, it will become a developed and glorious state. The rich heritage and culture should continue to grow, and this intellectual discussion should guide Karnataka’s path to development.

The event was attended by Sri Vachanananda Swamiji of Harihara Panchamasali Peetha, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Padma Shri awardee Manjamma Jogati, Hindustani singer Sangeeta Katti, and several other dignitaries.