New Delhi, April 20 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings on the occasion of Basava Jayanti, paying tribute to 12th-century philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara and his teachings.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the special occasion of Basava Jayanti, devout salutations to Jagadguru Basaveshwara and his eternal teachings. His visionary outlook for a just society and his unwavering efforts to empower the people always remain an inspiration to us."

Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna, is revered particularly by the Lingayat community and is widely regarded as a pioneer of social reform in India. A key figure in the 12th-century Bhakti movement centred on Lord Shiva, he used poetry, known as Vachanas, to ...