22 February 2020: PIB Summary & Analysis

This article briefly covers the Press Information Bureau Analysis (Feb 22, 2020). It covers topics on Basaveshwara, one of the most famous philosopher from Karnataka, a 12th century social reformer. He actively worked on eliminating gender discrimination, social discrimination, & superstitious beliefs through his Vachanas. It also covers topics related to International Judicial Conference and first Khelo India University Games.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.

February 22nd, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Basaveshwara
2. International Judicial Conference
3. PM inaugurates first Khelo India University Games

1. Basaveshwara

1. He is also known as Bhaktibhandari/ Basavanna.
2. Basava was a 12th century Indian philosopher, Kannada poet in the Shiva-focussed Bhakti movement and a social reformer during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka. 
3. His life and ideas are narrated in the sacred text of the south Indian Hindu Lingayat community, the Basava Purana. 
4. Basava spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas.
5. Basava rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions and rituals such as the wearing of sacred thread, but introduced Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Liṅga, to every person regardless of his or her birth, to be a constant reminder of one’s bhakti (devotion) to Shiva.
6. Vachana is a prosaic form well known in the Kannada literature which propagates values of universal brotherhood.

Contribution to society 

1. He had promoted a culture of collective discussion which was called ‘Anubhav Mantapa’. This is remembered as one of the world’s first parliaments where people were encouraged to speak their mind irrespective of their social status. 
2. This was also a unique experiment of gender equality as women were also encouraged to take part in discussions and express their views. 
3. He discarded his varna identity and argued for a non-hierarchical society. His message was inclusive and argued for a diverse society and rejected an exclusive State favouring one caste or one religion.
4. Basavanna encouraged men and women from the lowest of the lower castes to practice social equality and actively participate in building and contributing to a healthy society.

Context

• Hon’ble President of India speaks about Basaveshwara at the Hindu ‘Huddle’ event at Bengaluru

2. International Judicial Conference

1. The aim of the International Judicial Conference is to facilitate cross-fertilisation of ideas between judges of India and those from abroad.
2. The conference will serve as a marketplace of ideas

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Judicial Conference in New Delhi

3. PM inaugurates first Khelo India University Games

Context

• Prime Minister inaugurated the first Khelo India University Games in Odisha via video link.

Details 

PIB 21st February 2020

February 22nd, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

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