Social Justice Minister of Maharashtra Raj Kumar Badole paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London on 30th January 2017.
The event was organised by The Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organization based in UK that has erected the statue of Basaveshwara on the bank of river Thames.
Former Mayor of London borough of Lambeth Dr Neeraj Patil is the Chairman of the foundation who welcomed the Minister on behalf of British Indian community.
Members of British Maharashtra and Kannada Diaspora joined this important occasion and paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London.
Basaveshwara fought for eradication of caste discrimination in the Indian society and attempted to create a casteless society 800 years ago, unfortunately India still remains divided along caste and religious lines and this must end, said Dr Patil.
Mr. Badole expressed tribute to Basaveshwara & his contribution towards democracy and social justice and said, I am extremely delighted to see the statue of an Indian philosopher in the backdrop of British Parliament overlooking the river Thames in the historic city of London.
Basaveshwara statue in London is the first conceptual statue to be approved by British Government in the vicinity of British Parliament. This was done as a mark of respect to 12th century Indian Philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality during the 12th century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue on 14th November 2015 in the presence of Speaker of the British Parliament John Bercow.
