Lingayats Must Move Beyond Agriculture and Embrace Industry: Minister M.B. Patil
Bengaluru: Calling upon the Veerashaiva Lingayat community to actively participate in the industrial and business sectors, Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil on Thursday said that the community must not restrict itself only to agriculture but should leverage its strong entrepreneurial legacy to drive economic growth.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Global Business Summit, organised by the International Lingayat Youth Forum at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, the minister highlighted the community’s long history of pioneering industrialists and business leaders.
Rich Entrepreneurial Legacy
M.B. Patil recalled that the Lingayat community has produced legendary entrepreneurs such as Shirsangi Lingaraj Desai, Warad Mallappa, B.V. Bhoomareddy, Gubbi Thotadappa, and Sir Puttanna Shetty, who laid a strong foundation for industrial development as early as 1906.
“The community has a proud legacy of entrepreneurship, and institutions like the Veerashaiva Mahasabha have played a vital role in nurturing business leadership. This is why the community has achieved remarkable success in both commerce and education,” he said.
Industry as a Complement to Agriculture
The minister stressed that industries and trade should be seen as complementary to agriculture, not as alternatives.
“In today’s modern economy, industrialisation and business are critical to sustainable economic growth. Government policies are supportive, and Karnataka offers a favourable industrial ecosystem across all regions of the state. Talented youth from the community must utilise these opportunities effectively,” Patil urged.
Government Support and Investment Opportunities
M.B. Patil said the government actively encourages business summits and networking platforms, as they help communities understand opportunities in innovation, research, manufacturing, MSMEs, and emerging industries.
“These forums strengthen identity, promote networking, and open doors for investments. Karnataka has immense potential in multiple industrial sectors,” he added.
The event was attended by Sri Siddalinga Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumakuru, Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman, Legislative Council, Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister, Eshwar Khandre, State Minister, Ganesh Hukkeri, MLA, Naveen, MLC, Santosh Kenchamb, President, Bengaluru Unit of the Forum, Former MLA Rudragouda, among others.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಲಿಂಗಾಯತ ಯುವಕರು ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಧುಮುಕಬೇಕು: ಸಚಿವ ಎಂ.ಬಿ. ಪಾಟೀಲ್
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