Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Pejawar Mutt said on Friday that it was essential to remove untouchability and inequality from the Hindu community. He was presiding over the inaugural function of the three-day Dharma Sansad .

The seer said the community has six faces: Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, Buddha, Jain, and Sikh. Those following prophets from the country were Hindus: be they be Hindus, Jains or Sikhs. Mahavir, Buddha and Guru Nanak were all Indian prophets or “rishis”, he said

This applies to the Lingayats and Veerashaivas and also to Sri Renukacharya or Sri Basaveshwara, he said.

The seer said that though there is talk about India being a secular country, but there seems to be one policy for the majority and another for the minority communities.

“We only want the same facilities to be provided to the majority also. There should not be partisanship or discrimination on the grounds of religion. The Constitution should be amended for this,” he said.

‘Public campaign’

Concerning a law for anti-cow slaughter, the seer said this could not be the responsibility of the Union government alone. For this purpose, a public campaign should be launched in all States, he said.