The Quest for Identity: Veerashaiva-Lingayats Urged to Declare 'Other' in Census

In a significant move that underscores a long-standing demand for distinct religious identity, the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha has issued a fervent appeal to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Members are being urged to enumerate themselves under the 'Others' category in the religion column during the ongoing caste census, rather than identifying as Hindu.

This directive is not merely a procedural suggestion but a powerful assertion of the community's unique spiritual and cultural heritage.

The Mahasabha firmly believes that the Veerashaiva-Lingayat faith, deeply rooted in the revolutionary philosophy of the 12th-century social reformer Lord Basavanna, stands as a distinct religion with its own independent theological framework, sacred texts, and philosophical tenets. They argue that their inclusion under the broader umbrella of Hinduism dilutes and misrepresents their unique identity, which possesses separate practices, holy books like Basava Purana and Vachanas, and a distinct lineage of spiritual thought.

For decades, the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community has actively campaigned for official recognition as an independent religion.

This persistent advocacy has seen numerous memoranda submitted to both the Central and State governments, outlining their spiritual distinctiveness and the historical context that sets them apart. The current caste census provides a crucial opportunity for the community to numerically assert this claim, thereby strengthening their plea for official status.

The Mahasabha's call is a strategic step to gather concrete data that reflects the true numerical strength of Veerashaiva-Lingayats identifying outside the Hindu fold.

By specifically instructing individuals to write "Veerashaiva-Lingayat" under the 'Others' category, the organization aims to provide irrefutable evidence of their separate religious adherence. This data is expected to play a pivotal role in future deliberations regarding their demand for independent religious recognition, which would grant them specific constitutional and administrative benefits.

This isn't the first time the community has been encouraged to mark its distinct presence in national surveys.

Similar appeals were made during the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census, highlighting a consistent and unwavering commitment to securing their identity. The present census serves as yet another vital platform for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community to collectively voice its aspiration for recognition, reinforcing its unique position in India's diverse religious landscape and honoring the legacy of Lord Basavanna's teachings.