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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'Grew up in a family where women were bosses': Rahul tells students
New Delhi (PTI): "I grew up in a family where the women were the bosses," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told students during an interaction in Kerala recently, while asserting that women are generally more intelligent than men.
On International Women's Day, Gandhi posted a video of his interaction with the students on his YouTube channel on Sunday and said that a few days ago, he met some young women students in Kerala during a lunch interaction and had a very interesting conversation with them.
"I was deeply impressed by each student's dreams, curiosity, and confidence. Such conversations remind us that when women recognise their potential and move forward with an open mind, they can bring about extraordinary change," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
"Every woman is unique. Their sensitivity, understanding, and emotional intelligence provide balance and direction to society. Women also wield power in their own unique ways - with patience, long-term vision, and empathy," Gandhi asserted in his post in Hindi, accompanying the video.
"Therefore, they should have every right to move forward according to their identity, personality, and aspirations, rather than being bound by society's restrictive norms," he said.
"Heartiest greetings to all women on International Women's Day. May your strength, courage, and dreams continue to propel society toward a positive future," Gandhi said.
Posting the video on X, Gandhi said interacting with some young students in Kerala was incredibly inspiring.
"Their confidence and belief in their dreams demonstrate that women are the ultimate force for change," he said.
In the video, Gandhi is seen having a free-wheeling chat with the women students.
"I grew up in a family where the women were the bosses. So the boss of my family was my grandmother and I have always in my family, like on this table, been outnumbered by women," Gandhi tells the students.
"Women are generally more intelligent than men for the most part. Men are in a hurry and men get blinded by silly things.Women think longer term, they don't apply direct power they apply indirect power, it is more effective," he says.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge shared on X a quote by BR Ambedkar on gender equality - "You are not born to suffer. You are born to rise"
"Women are not merely participants in development. They are its driving force. Through their wisdom, resilience, compassion, and determination, women strengthen communities, and build stronger nations," Kharge said on X.
"On International Women's Day 2026, we celebrate the courage, leadership, and countless contributions of women everywhere. True progress will come when equality is not an aspiration, but a lived reality for every woman," the Congress chief said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also greeted women on International Women's Day.
"On this Women's Day, may every woman realise her strength, her rights and her power to shape the future. You matter. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter," she said on X.
केरल में कुछ युवा छात्राओं के साथ हुई बातचीत बेहद प्रेरणादायक रही।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 8, 2026
उनका आत्मविश्वास और सपनों पर विश्वास बताता है - महिलाएँ बदलाव की सबसे बड़ी शक्ति हैं।
सभी को #InternationalWomensDay की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। pic.twitter.com/OV2fvth1rB
