Cabinet will discuss proposal on establishing Buddhist university: Chief Minister

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday called for a society that places knowledge above caste, saying the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar guided the government's vision for an egalitarian society.

"We do not need a society that asks about caste; we need one that values knowledge. Buddha symbolises knowledge, while Ambedkar stands for social justice. India can truly progress only when the ideals of Buddha, Basavanna and Ambedkar shine together," he said.

Speaking at an International Buddhist Conference in Chamarajanagar, Mr. Shivakumar said the Congress government was committed to social justice, equality and humanism, with a focus on improving the lives of the poor and disadvantaged.

The government would discuss the proposal to establish a Buddhist university at a Cabinet meeting in Bengaluru, he said.

The next International Buddhist Conference would be held in Bengaluru South district. The government was also open to organising a conference in Belagavi, as proposed by Minister Satish Jarkiholi.

10 lakh sites for poor

Outlining the government's welfare agenda, Mr. Shivakumar said it aimed to provide more than 10 lakh sites to the poor over the next two years, including five lakh sites in the current year.

The government's Bhoo Guarantee initiative was intended to help people secure houses, sites and land with valid property documents, he said.

The government was also launching the 'Negilayogi' programme to help poor farmers who lacked ploughs and cattle by providing free land-ploughing services.

Mr. Shivakumar said the teachings of Buddha, Basavanna and Ambedkar continued to inspire social transformation. The Constitution and human values were fundamental to society, just as roots were essential to a tree, he said.

Buddha's message of peace and non-violence had influenced several Asian countries and transcended national boundaries, he said. While wars might help conquer territory, only humanity, love and compassion could win people's hearts.

Mr. Shivakumar said connecting hearts and bringing communities together were more important than creating divisions. "Setting fire is easy, but building a house is difficult. More important than constructing houses is connecting hearts. People can build walls to divide society, but our government's approach is to build bridges that bring people together," he said.

The worth of those in public office should be measured not merely by their positions but by the difference they made to people's lives, he said.

Recalling his electoral victory by a margin of about 1.23 lakh votes, Mr. Shivakumar said public support had enabled him to serve in the Legislative Assembly for an eighth term. He assured the gathering that the government would consider the community's demands.

Ministers K.H. Muniyappa, P.M. Narendraswamy, Puttarangashetty, MLA A.R. Krishnamurthy and others were present.