Basaveshwara Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha
(B.V.V. Sangha)
History of B. V. V. Sangha dates back to the beginning of 20th century, when intellectuals and social activists chose education as the vehicle of development, as rightly said by the 12th century social reformer Shri Basaveshwara -
which means - “Knowledge dispels ignorance as light dispels darkness ”.
Hence, to carry the torchlight of educational activities, Basaveshwara Vidya Vardhaka Sangha was founded by his Holiness, Shri Gurubasava Mahaswamiji of Bilur in the year 1906, which was later renamed as Basaveshwara Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha. Educational activities were initiated by starting a Sanskrit Pathashala and since then, the sangha has been dedicating itself to the noble cause of dissemination of knowledge. At present, the sangha has a network of 164 educational institutions from Kindergarten to Post graduation, spread in and around Bagalkote, Belgaum, Sangli and in Bangalore too. The wide range of institutions cover the disciplines of engineering, medical and health Sciences, arts, science, commerce and law, besides pre-primary, primary, high schools and PU colleges.
Among the health science institutes, we run medical, dental, ayurvedic, homeopathic, physiotherapy and naturopathy colleges. We also have nursing and allied health science courses to complement them. The big dream of providing quality health care services and medical education in one’s own home town turned into reality when S. Nijalingappa medical college was established in the year 2002, by the Sangha under the leadership of our Chairman, Dr. Veeranna Charantimath. Our hospitals are well-equipped with all the ultra-modern gadgets required for quality care, so that patient gets every treatment under one roof, at affordable costs. We regularly conduct free health camps and health awareness programmes for the benefit of the society.
Presently, there are more than 50,000 students studying under the able guidance of more than 5000 qualified teachers, in the educational institutions of B.V.V. Sangha. The sangha runs 25 hostels, some with free food and accommodation facilities for the benefit of the needy. The Sangha also renders funds to poor students and provides scholarships. 50% or more of the students are girls in the institutions of our Sangha.
With a long history and rich culture, Bagalkote and B. V. V. Sangha have contributed immensely for the overall growth and development of North Karnataka, providing some of the best educational institutions and catering to the societal needs, thus making a worthy contribution to the nation.
