Tumakuru, March 31 : Former AICC President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the country is in dire need of inculcating values of brotherhood and eradicating hatred as taught by 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara. “What Basava ji had said – we are all one; we have to live together; should not hate; should not discriminate on caste and religion basis – All these facets of life you (Siddaganga Mutt) teach here. And brotherhood that you are teaching here, the country needs it very much today,” he said. “The hatred that is spreading in the country has to be eradicated. And your institution is doing this work. I congratulate Swamiji and his team for this,” Gandhi said in his address after paying obeisance to the Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt here on his 115th birth anniversary on April 1. Basaveshwara was the 12th century AD social reformer who founded the Lingayat sect based on compassion, love, benevolence and philanthropy. Gandhi recalled his family’s association with the Mutt and Shivakumara Swamiji. He expressed his happiness that the Mutt had shaped the future of thousands of children by imparting them education. He also assured to help the Mutt in any capacity wherever required. Gandhi also expressed his grief over the demise of Shivakumara Swamiji whom he had met during his last visit. He said, “Swamiji is not with us. But he has shown the way. We have walked the path. We have to give education to youth and help the poor.” The pontiff had lived for 111 years before passing away in January 2019. BDN GNK