A Clarion Call for Unity: Seer Urges Lingayat Panchamasalis to Secure Their Future in Karnataka's Caste Survey

In a powerful and heartfelt address, Sri Vachanananda Swami, the revered pontiff of the Harihar Panchamasali Peetha, has issued a clarion call to the Deeksha Panchamasali community. His urgent appeal centres on a critical aspect of the ongoing Karnataka Caste Survey: the precise registration of their caste identity.

The Swami unequivocally urged community members to register themselves as "Lingayat Panchamasali," emphasizing that this seemingly simple act holds the key to safeguarding their future and securing essential reservation benefits.

The significance of this directive cannot be overstated. According to Sri Vachanananda Swami, a collective and unified registration under "Lingayat Panchamasali" is paramount for the community to effectively claim and retain their hard-won 2A category reservation status.

He warned that any deviation or incorrect entry in the survey forms could have severe repercussions, potentially leading to the community being overlooked or, worse, losing access to the very benefits they have long struggled to achieve.

The seer did not mince words when addressing the potential for internal division.

He sharply criticized certain leaders within the community, accusing them of actively misleading individuals and creating a rift by advocating for a separate identity as "Deeksha Panchamasali." Sri Vachanananda Swami underscored the historical and social reality that Deeksha Panchamasalis are, in essence, an integral part of the broader Lingayat Panchamasali fold.

He cautioned that such divisive tactics threaten to fragment the community's strength and undermine their collective pursuit of social justice.

Drawing on recent history, the pontiff reminded his followers of the arduous struggle for reservation. He recalled the widespread agitation from 2020-2021, a period marked by intense community efforts and fervent demands for inclusion in the 2A category.

This long battle culminated in a hard-fought victory, and the Swami stressed that it would be a tragic irony if these benefits were squandered due to a lack of awareness or, worse, internal discord during the critical caste survey.

“There are some vested interests trying to create a separate identity called ‘Deeksha Panchamasali.’ This is a deliberate attempt to sow discord and weaken our collective strength.

Do not fall prey to such misguidance,” the Swami reportedly stated, his words carrying the weight of his spiritual authority. He passionately argued that a united front is not just advisable but absolutely essential for the community to stand firm and assert its rightful place in society, particularly when it comes to securing constitutional benefits.

The ongoing caste survey is a pivotal moment for communities across Karnataka, as its findings will significantly influence policy-making and resource allocation for years to come.

For the Lingayat Panchamasali community, Sri Vachanananda Swami’s appeal serves as a critical reminder of the power of unity and the importance of accurate representation. His message is clear: for the sake of future generations and the continued upliftment of the community, register as 'Lingayat Panchamasali' and stand together.