VB Interview: Billava community, once marginalized, now thriving, says Dr. Mukesh Kumar
“Brahmashri Narayana Guru’s inspiration key reason for the transformation”
The Billava community, once considered a marginal group by the upper caste in the 19th century and deprived of access to temples, education, and social progress, has undergone remarkable transformation. Today, they are strong academically, socially, and economically. This transformation, according to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Senior Fellow and Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, is largely attributed to the influence of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, a spiritual leader and social reformer.
During an exclusive interview with Vartha Bharati, Dr. Kumar, who is conducting research on the Billava community, shared insights into their journey of empowerment and the key factors that contributed to their progress. Here are the excerpts of the Interview below.
Q: What is the focus of your current research, and what are the key findings so far?
My research explores the issues of caste, religion, and social mobility among the Billava community. Historically, around 1840, the Billavas were economically and socially marginalized. At that time, the Basel Mission attempted to convert them to Christianity, emphasizing education and economic improvement. However, the teachings of Brahmashri Narayana Guru, who advocated "One caste, one religion, one God," inspired the Billava leaders to unite and establish their own identity without converting.
Narayana Guru’s efforts to promote education and equality through the establishment of temples, such as the Kudroli Gokarnanath Temple in Mangalore, played a pivotal role in the social transformation of the Billava community. His teachings encouraged the community to prioritize education and self-reliance, laying the foundation for their progress.
Q: What did your research reveal about the Basel Mission’s activities in Mangaluru?
The Basel Mission began its work in Mangalore in the mid-19th century with the primary goal of converting people to Christianity. While the number of conversions was relatively small, most converts were from the Billava community. The missionaries emphasized cleanliness, discipline, and complete acceptance of Christianity.
The Basel Mission also introduced education and technical skills, which benefited the Billava community. Schools were established, offering access to education, and German technology brought industrial progress, such as the establishment of tile factories. Despite these efforts, many Billavas chose to remain Hindus, inspired by the teachings of Narayana Guru. His philosophy helped the community maintain its cultural identity while embracing education and economic advancement.
Q: How do you define the current strength of the Billava community in Dakshina Kannada?
The Billava community has grown significantly stronger through the establishment of educational institutions, cooperative societies, and temples inspired by Narayana Guru. Education and economic mobility have been the pillars of their progress.
Over time, many Billava youth migrated to cities like Mumbai and to Gulf countries, contributing to the community’s economic strength. Today, the Billava community is actively involved in various industries and politics. Their institutions provide scholarships and educational resources, ensuring continued progress. The transformation from a marginalized group to a thriving community is remarkable and serves as a model for other communities.
Q: What makes the Billava community unique in your research?
The Billavas are socially and politically conscious and prioritize education and community welfare, drawing inspiration from Narayana Guru’s teachings. While they may align with different political ideologies, their commitment to the progress of their community remains steadfast.
The Billava trusts and organizations are playing a crucial role in uplifting not just their own community but also supporting other marginalized groups. This inclusive approach is a positive step toward achieving social equality.
Q: What interests you most about Dakshina Kannada?
I have been visiting Dakshina Kannada since 2021 to study the Basel Mission. Currently, my research focuses on how the Billava community continues to follow Narayana Guru’s teachings and how this has led to their empowerment.
I am also intrigued by Bhootharadhana (spirit worship), which holds cultural significance in this region. I plan to study this in greater detail during my future visits. Dakshina Kannada’s diversity, blending various religions and cultures, makes it a fascinating area for research.
Q: What are your suggestions for further empowering the Billava community?
The Billava community is already making significant contributions to social, educational, and economic development. Strengthening their cooperative and educational initiatives will further empower not only their own community but also others in rural and marginalized areas.
About Dr. Mukesh Kumar
Dr. Mukesh Kumar is a Senior Fellow and Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He completed his BA, MA, and MPhil from Delhi University, and his PhD from the University of Sydney (2019). He is the recipient of prestigious grants, including the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship (2019–21) and the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2021–23). His research interests include caste, religion, and social mobility; urban religion; and cultural practices. He has authored the book Between Muslim Peer and Hindu Saint: Lal Das and Devotional Culture in North India (Cambridge University Press, 2024) and is a co-editor of works on caste and religion with Leiden University Press.
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Lost a good friend; void cannot be filled: Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar’s passing
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.
Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.
Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.
Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.
“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.
The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.
Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.
“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.
Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.
BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.
He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.
Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.
“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
