Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid a floral tribute at the bust of 12th century philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara at Albert Embankment Gardens on the banks of the river Thames.
The event was organised by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation-based in the UK. Modi had inaugurated the statue during his visit to the UK in 2015.
Shortly after the floral tribute, Modi took to Twitter to say it was an honour to pay homage to the philosopher. “The ideals of Bhagwan Basaveshwara motivate people across the entire world,” he wrote.
It is an honour to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara during my UK visit. The ideals of Bhagwan Basaveshwara motivate people across the entire world. pic.twitter.com/Ul6KGoX6tj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2018
Bhagwan Basaveshwara devoted his life towards furthering social equality and empowering the poor. He was committed to democratic values and believed in the power of debate and discussion.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2018
The Basaveshwara statue installed at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian Prime Minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the Parliament.
It was during Former Mayor of London borough of Lambeth Dr Neeraj Patil’s tenure that a prime piece of land was secured for erecting the stature of the 12th century reformer. The project was approved by the planning department of The London borough of Lambeth and subsequently by the British Cabinet minister for culture media and sports as per the Public Statues Act, 1854.
