New Delhi, April 30 -- Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Basaveshwara, saying that he was revered in society for his efforts to oppose the caste system and envision a society with equal opportunities for all.

She said that despite being a Brahmin, Basaveshwara "rose above" the caste system and talked about equality for the backward classes and Dalits.

"Today is Guru Basaveshwara Jayanti...we call him Basava Anna, which means brother; he has been a brother to everyone. He opposed the caste system and rose above it to advocate for equality. He brought equality among all the castes; he was a Brahmin, but he worked for the backward classes and Dalits. He was opp...