Guru Basava followers migrated from India to the Asia Pacific during the early 1990s and settled in the region. They realised the importance of promoting and preserving their origin, culture and transferring ethical values to the next generation. Over time, they approached people in different capital cities of similar origin which enabled the birth of separate chapters in different cities. They coordinated and worked collaboratively to promote the rich culture and heritage of Guru Basava amongst each other by inviting key speakers and prophets from India. They conducted several programs and educated the community to collectively introduce them to Guru Basava’s values. All these chapter presidents (2020-2021) unanimously came forward to establish this international charity of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC).
BSAPAC was established, to inculcate the idea from our predecessors to strengthen and connect the migrants of the region to deliver and share common services. This idea spread through a few senior leaders to connect and strengthen the social fabric. Some chapters in Australasia were smaller in size and needed extra resources, governance, and directional support to grow and sustain, whilst other chapters were self-sufficient but the growth stagnated and/or declined with reduced enthusiasm over time. Outside of the Australasian region, Guru Basava’s followers in this region were looking for innovative tools and techniques to make the philosophy and the practices palatable to the young minds being raised as foreign nationals in different countries of the Asia Pacific. Therefore, a public survey was commissioned by the presidents of the Basava Samithi of Australasian chapters in 2020, which highlighted a number of concerns, threats and opportunities for growth.
A strategic response to address all these concerns by the general public was determined and a transformational roadmap was developed. BSAPAC acts as an umbrella organisation by providing all the required support and help for the Basava Samitis in the Asia Pacific region to grow and nourish while maintaining their autonomy.
The inception of BSAPAC was a significant step towards strengthening connections among migrants in the region, allowing them to share and deliver essential services. Recognising the unique needs of various chapters, some smaller ones required additional resources and governance, while others faced stagnation in growth and enthusiasm. In response to these challenges, a public survey commissioned by the chapter presidents in 2020 highlighted numerous concerns and opportunities for development.
All Basava Samithi of Australasia Chapters operating in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, New Zealand, Perth conducted the first Asia Pacific Town Hall to swear in the first office bearers of BSAPAC on the 02 May 2021.
Straight after the establishment of the Charity, the laborious task of officially onboarding the Basava Samithi of Australsian Chapters commenced where applicable.
The onboarding process involved educating the Chapters to incorporate a new way operating model, while providing them high tech digital tools and techniques to connect, collaborate, and handhold government liaison.
BSAPAC emerged as an umbrella organisation, providing vital support to the Basava Samitis across the Asia Pacific region while respecting their autonomy. This strategic response aimed to foster innovation and creativity within a diversified multicultural society.
November 2024: BSAPAC launched the Vachana Jeevana Competition for the first time, inviting participants to engage deeply with Guru Basava’s philosophy through creative expression. This milestone was made possible by our dedicated innovators and program coordinators, whose vision brought this enriching experience to life. We thank everyone involved for fostering a platform that celebrates and spreads the essence of vachana wisdom.”
Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific integrated MYOB software into its operations, enhancing financial management and streamlining accounting processes for greater transparency. Thanks to the support of Mr. Charles Shavitz, who helped secure a fantastic deal, this addition allows the charity to better track donations and allocate resources efficiently.
The new office bearers of Term 2 were sworn in namely Mr. Ravi Gudi as Director, Mr. Akhilesh Nadgauda as Director, Mr. Steve Hodgson as CEO, Mrs. Dhruva Patak as Coordinator, Melbourne Chapter, Mrs. Kirti Verma as Coordinator, Sydney Chapter, Mr. Vikas Chinchansur as Coordinator Canberra Chapter, Mr. Ashok Patil, President of Perth Chapter were sworn in as the new officers of BSAPAC.
The General Body of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific officially approved the establishment of Canberra Chapter.
The General Body of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific officially approved the establishment of two new Chapters in its third year of operation within Australia namely Sydney and Melbourne.
The General Body thanked the outgoing Acting Directors Mr. Linden May, Dr. Lohith Shivatej and the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Christian Popovic for their hard work, sincerity and steering the Charity in the right direction during adversities.
FY2023-24: BSAPAC identified and reported financial misconduct involving a former representative of the New Zealand Chapter and the founding Chair, leading to immediate suspension of Chapter operations and enhanced oversight measures. This decisive action reinforces our commitment to transparency and ethical integrity, ensuring that all funds support our mission. We thank our community for their patience and trust during this time.
The Ask Me Series was incorporated into the Learn2Grow Program, enabling industry specialists to share experiences with participants, seamlessly connecting industries and communities.
The Learn2Grow Program was introduced to benefit the wider community by addressing the Government’s STEM objectives. It offers aspirants opportunities to advance in ICT, finance, leadership, legal services, and more, helping with career transitions and job placements.
The Brisbane Chapter hosted the first Community Leaders Reception, introducing the charity to diverse cultures, including African, Chinese, Korean, Bahá’í, and the Indian subcontinent communities.
BSAPAC obtained membership in the United Nations of Australia, a historic milestone in elevating Guru Basava’s philosophy on a global platform.
The Perth Chapter initiated this program to promote and inculcate the philosophy’s values during friendly games. Special thanks to Mr. Rudresh Kittur for his research and presentation.
The Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) dismissed a hearing brought by Basava Samithi of Australasia Inc., Brisbane Branch, against BSAPAC. No further action is required from BSAPAC as per the adjudicator’s decision.
The Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd was officially inaugurated by Hon. Michael Wood, Minister for Immigration, at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland, New Zealand.
To promote Guru Basava’s philosophy, posters were designed and distributed to mark the first inaugural convention in Auckland.
Brisbane Chapter was provisioned with a fully functional commercial kitchen to promote healthy eating habits during community events, supported by the Queensland Government.
The charity purchased its first laptop, thanks to the Queensland Government’s support, to further enhance its operational services.
As a registered charity using Microsoft technologies, BSAPAC provided various training opportunities, including courses on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, and a crash course in fundraising and engagement.
BSAPAC was invited to participate in a global fireside chat hosted by LinkedIn, along with 300 charities from countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, India, and the USA.
BSAPAC established a professional graphics design platform in Australia to develop marketing media, including flyers, banners, and high-resolution graphics.
The Perth Chapter was officially onboarded as BSAPAC Perth Chapter.
The Perth Chapter was officially onboarded as BSAPAC Perth Chapter.
BSAPAC rolled out Microsoft technology across all chapters, enabling connectivity via a high-tech digital ICT platform with built-in redundancy. This established 24×7 operational availability, allowing volunteers to offer services from anywhere at any time.
The New Zealand and Adelaide Chapters were onboarded, with New Zealand receiving government approval.
The Brisbane Branch of BSOA was onboarded as the BSAPAC Brisbane Chapter.
The first Asia Pacific Town Hall was held to swear in the first office bearers of BSAPAC. The founding board included Chair Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi MNZM, Deputy Chair Mrs. Girija Karekal, and Director Dr. Manjunath Rajashekhar.
BSAPAC obtained international charity status from the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC).
BSAPAC was officially registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
The presidents of all BSOA chapters, including Mrs. Girija Karekal (Brisbane), Mrs. Leena Kalburgi (New Zealand), Mr. Shadakshari Adavayyanamath (Adelaide), Mr. K B Matth (Melbourne), Mr. Siddeswarappa Siddappa (Perth), Mr. Sangamesh Salimath (Sydney), and Mr. Somashekhar N.S (Singapore), unanimously approved the registration of BSAPAC. The registration process was supported by Advisor Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi MNZM (New Zealand).
