Hindu religion is a way of life based on evolution of societal principles. These principles were nurtured by our forefathers and passed on from generation to generation through the practice of these principles in every day family life. This is what makes India so diverse and a source of many faiths. Veerashaivas or Lingayats are believers of Sri Basava principles. Sri Basava was a social reformer in the 12th Century in Karnataka in India. He fought for equality amongst men and women irrespective of their caste and creed. He established an 'open forum' otherwise called "Anubhava Mantapa" where people participated in discussions rather than listening to preachers. This open forum is the modern day equivalent of a Peoples' Parliament. Through this open forum Sri Basava and other intellectuals of the time propagated social awareness of work ethics, social responsibility, democracy, non-secularism and universal love. These values were relevant at the time to uplift socially deprived people. But these values are much more relevant today in all our societies to fight against poverty, social injustice, exploitation and discrimination.
The desire for formation of Veerashaiva organisation and Basava centre was in the minds of many Veerashaivas in the UK. All these followers mostly originated from Karnataka in India and migrated to UK from the beginning of the twentieth century as a part of their work.
In July 1988 VSUK was formed and was registered as a charitable organisation. The aim of VSUK is to nurture the principles of Sri Basava and provide the spiritual guidelines to its followers by bringing the future and the present generations on a common platform at least once a year. At these gatherings VSUK aim to stimulate discussions and refresh family values and human bondage to support the community and serve them at the time of their greatest need by trying to understand one another.