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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Catholic Bishops' body slams Bhagwat's remarks
New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India on Thursday slammed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his reported remark that Pranab Mukherjee, when he was President, had said tribals would turn "anti-national" if there is no "ghar wapsi"Catholic Bishops.'
In a statement issued here, CBCI, a body of Catholic Bishops, referred to reports which said Bhagwat, at an event on Monday, claimed that Mukherjee, while he was President had appreciated ghar wapsi and told him that had it not been for the Sangh's work on reconversion, a section of Adivasis would have turned "anti-national".The CBCI called the report "shocking".
"Fabricated personal conversation being attributed to a former president of India and its posthumous publication with the vested interest of an organization with questionable credibility raises a grave issue of national importance," the CBCI claimed.
"Is it not the violent ghar wapsi program of VHP and other similar organizations, curtailing the exercise of freedom of conscience of economically deprived tribals, the real anti-national activity?" it asked.
'Ghar wapsi' is a term used by the RSS and affiliated organisations to refer to reconversion of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism, based on the belief that they were originally Hindus before converting to other religions.
The CBCI also questioned why Bhagwat did not speak about it while Mukherjee was alive.
"We, the 2.3 percent of Indian citizens who are Christians feel extremely hurt by such manipulated and motivated propaganda unleashed," it said.
In a post on X following the statement issued by CBCI, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said, "Speak up. This is a start!"
"Bishops body have issued a statement condemning remarks made by Dr Mohan Bhagwat and RSS for defaming the Christian community," he said.
O'Brien added that they should ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi more questions, including why Christmas Day has been turned into "Good Governance Day".
The TMC leader, in a blogpost earlier this month, had said "hard questions" must be asked to the government with regards to the Christian community, including why the FCRA has been 'weaponised', and why has Manipur been 'ignored'.
