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Official Inauguration Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd
The historical inauguration and first convention of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC) on 8, 9 April 2023 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland, New Zealand was a grand success. It met its objectives in accordance with the theme of ENGAGE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER • ENLIGHTEN.
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BSAPAC is an Australian owned international charity that connects and unites small communities with the core purpose of promoting Guru Basava's philosophy across the Asia Pacific region. Guru Basava was a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer from Karnataka, India, who advocated a valuebased society grounded in principles and actions of equality, social justice, and harmony, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
As part of the inauguration, the First Convention was held, brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the teachings of Guru Basava and their relevance to contemporary challenges. The convention featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, multifaith workshops, cultural programs, and networking opportunities, spread across six specific sessions.
It was a captivating two-day event attended by delegates from India, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as leaders from the wider Indian diaspora community in New Zealand. The festivities began with a spectacular Chapter Parade, featuring the BSAPAC's Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, and Perth chapters, New Zealand chapter as the host and the board members.
The parade saw participants donning traditional 12th-century Sharanas costumes while proudly displaying their banners. The Basava Samithi from Bangalore, India, also participated in the parade, adding to the vibrant spectacle.
The Chapter Parade was followed by the inaugural function, where the delegates were warmly welcomed to the host country by the Maori Kapahaka team, who performed the Powhiri and Karanga rituals to the WHEIAO HAKA group's accompaniment. The event's first Founding Chair, Hon. Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi MNZM, JP, delivered an insightful inaugural speech, welcoming all the delegates. This was followed by an overview of the BSAPAC Charity's inception and achievements by the Deputy Chair and Executive
Director, Mrs. Girija Karekal, from Brisbane, Australia.
The Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (New Zealand Chapter) Inc. President Mrs. Leena Kalburgi and her Executive Committee, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Adelaide Chapter President Mr. Shadakhsari Adavayyanamath, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane Chapter President Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Perth Chapter Inc. President
Mr. Nagarjappa Siddappa were the key stakeholders of the event.
FIRST ASIA PACIFIC BASAVA CONVeNTION
On Sunday, 9th April 2023 the session commenced with the group Istalinga Mediation by all. Istalinga Meditation promotes peace and leads to attain enlightenment.
The morning session was welcomed by Mrs. Leena Kalaburgi, president Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (NZ Chapter) Inc and the First Convention Souvenir
Arivina Manae was released by Mr. Arvind Jatti, President Basava Samithi, Bengaluru, India.
The first panel discussion on the topic “Arive Guru” was held amongst the BSAPAC delegates and the second panel discussion involved multi-faith leaders from the Jain, Muslim, Chinese, Sikh communities describing their interpretation of the convention topic on “Transcending ignorance with knowledge”.
Over the course of two days, the audience was treated to several cultural programs presented by the Basava Samiti Auckland, New Zealand, along with artists from the Kannada Koota. The highlights of the event included Mr. Balachandra Bhatt and his team's Hindustani music vocal renditions of several vachanas, Kannada Koota ladies' dance adaptations of vachanas, Mr. Diwakar's students' Karnatic vachana singing, and other solo and group dances from children and ladies. The participation and support of the children from Kannada ShaLe, who delivered a powerful message through their enactment of the Anubhav Mantapa drama was notable.
The event concluded with an extravaganza closing ceremony featuring the presentation of the BSAPAC Jewel Awards. These prestigious awards were bestowed upon Mr. Pramod Nagaraj (Perth), Mr. Linden May (Brisbane), Ms. Dan Wu (Adelaide), and Mrs. Dr. Danamma Zalaki (India), of the BSAPAC Charity, in recognition of their unparalleled passion to serve and their unwavering commitment to achieving excellence.
Additionally, the BSAPAC Research Award was awarded to Dr. Avinash Kavi (India) for his outstanding research and contribution to the Sharana philosophy.
The second hallmark of the closing ceremony was the much-awaited announcement of the second BSAPC Convention. It will be held in Perth, Australia. The convention baton was transferred from Mrs Leena Kalburgi, to Mr Nagarajappa Siddappa, president BSAPC, Perth Chapter Inc. Australia. The two day event was well received by people from diversified ethnicity including Korea, China, New Zealanders (Kiwis), Estonia, India, Maoris and their spirits significantly motivated and enhanced.
