Writings of Kanakadasa uphold social justice: Prof Shivashankara Murthy

Mangalore, November 17: The writings of Kanakadasa uphold the need for social justice and hence they are relevant even to this day, said Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University.

Addressing the gathering at 'Kanaka Keerthana Gayana,' an inter-collegiate-level Kanakadasa Keerthana singing programme held as a part of 'Kanaka Jayanthi' at Town Hall on Thursday Pro Murthy said that it was the responsibly of teachers to convey the values of Kanakadasa to students.

The programme was organised under the joint auspices of Mangalore University Kanakadasa Research Centre, National Service Scheme (NSS) of Mangalore University, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Sahitya Parishat, Badriya Pre- University College and Rosario Pre University College.

Prof Murthy pointed out that, Kanaka Sahitya is rich with literature, music, devotion and spiritual values. More than anything else, it expresses social concern.

Explaining about the research works on Kanaka Sahitya, the vice chancellor said that in 1839, Rev Hermann Moegling edited the literature of Kanakadasa.

Later in 1950s, around 16,000 'Keerthanas' of Kanakadasa were edited and introduced to common reader. Now Kanaka study centres are working at Udupi, Mysore, Kaginele and Karnataka university at Dharwad.

“Mangalore University has released 4 books on Kanaka Sahitya in last one and half years. Kannada department of the university is working on it and new building is being built for Kanaka Chair,” he added.

Stating that 'Kanakanakindi,' a website on Kanaka Sahitya will be inaugurated soon, Prof Shivshankarmurthy said that in January or February 2012, an international conference titled 'Bhakti- with special reference to Kanakadasa,' will be organised in Mangalore University.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, former professor of Mysore University Professor Kalegowda Nagavara opined that our society is still struggling with social evils like untouchability or caste system though it witnessed some great personalities like Buddha, Basavanna, Allama Prabhu and Mahatma Gandhi.

“The journey towards knowledge is our aim. We have to balance richness and poverty. We have to provide food for poor. Thinking positive is the keyword,” he said.

The chief guest of the programme, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Channappa Gowda said that people follow foreign culture when they go there. “But we neglect rules and regulations of our country. We need to follow the values of great personalities like Kanakadasa to improve our society,” he said.

Kanakadasa Research Centre Convenor Dr B Shivarama Shetty opined that the Kanaka Sahitya is special because it portrayed Lord Rama and Krishna as common men with love for human beings.

On the occasion, re-printed edition of 'Kanakadasara Keerthane' was unveiled. Kalkura Prathishtana President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Mangalore University National Service Scheme (NSS) Coordinator Dr Gananatha Ekkar, Badriya Pre- University College Principal Dr N Ismail, Rosario Pre- University College Principal Fr. Alwyn Serrao were present.