Bengaluru, June 03: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday wrote to PM Narendra Modi requesting to recommend the name of Dr Sivakumara Swamiji for Bharat Ratna (posthumously). Swamiji was a prominent Lingayat religious figure. Earlier in January also, Kumaraswamy had asked the followers of Swamiji to play a major role for getting the Bharat Ratna conferred on the late Seer. Maate Mahadevi, Basava Dharma Peetha President & Top Lingayat Pontiff Dies in Bengaluru.

In the letter, the Karnataka CM said, “Dr Sivakumara Swami has rendered remarkable service to the Society for over seven decades through philanthropy, education and spiritual activities.” He further added that Swamiji’s services to the people deserves recognition at the highest level. Shivakumara Swami's Death: PM Modi Meets Movie Stars But Skips Lingayat Seer's Funeral, Says Karnataka Deputy CM Parameshwara.

HD Kumaraswamy's Letter:

The 111-year-old seer, who was addressed as the "Walking God", died on January 21, 2019. He joined the Siddaganga Matha in 1930 and became head seer from 1941. Swamiji had also founded the Sri Siddaganga Education Society. He was also a recipient of the third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2015.

Last year, the Home Ministry submitted a letter to the Karnataka High Court rejecting the state government's request to declare Lingayats, Veerashaivas and those who follow Basavanna's philosophy as a separate religion. In 2017, the demand for a separate religion status for Lingayats and Veerashaivas resurfaced. The then Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in March 2018 had approved the demand of a separate religion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 10:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).