Hindus welcome efforts to install Saint Basaveshwara statue in London

Media Release

London, 08 May 2011: Hindus have welcomed the efforts to install a Saint Basaveshwara statue in Albert Embankment Gardens in Lambeth borough of London (United Kingdom).

 

Dr Neeraj Patil

 

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that “it was a step in the right direction” to honor 12th century reformer Saint Basaveshwara (Basava) as it would be a source of inspiration for the coming generations and bring pride to the community.

 
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that India was a storehouse of pioneers who contributed to world wisdom in various disciplines since ancient times. People of India descent, who were now settled world over, should work for honoring the legacy of these exceptional men and women who brought light to the world.

 
Dr. Neeraj Patil, a Lambeth Councilor, is said to be championing this project. According to reports, Karnataka Chief Minister Dr. B.S. Yediyurappa has announced a donation of about £410,000 towards installation of this statue. There was reportedly a plan to raise £250,000 from the area community.

 

Albert Embankment Gardens has views of the Palace of Westminster and Tate Britain

 
Lambeth is one of 13 boroughs that make up inner London. Besides Patil, Lambeth has 62 other elected councilors, including Neil Sabharwal and Niranjan Francis. About 150 languages are spoken in Lambeth, whose about 2.3% population is of India background, and which is known for London Eye and Lambeth Palace (official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury). Christiana Valcarcel, Judith Best, and Steve Reed are Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council Leader respectively of Lambeth.

 
The Albert Embankment in Lambeth is a stretch of the River Thames bank on its south side in Central London, about one mile northward from Vauxhall Bridge to Westminster Bridge.