Mumbai :

“Kanakadasa is a large cultural asset.  He was a question for the pride based on caste.  He swam against current without sacrificing his principles and lived a life of stress.  His literature reflects different phases of his life”, said Dr H S Anupama.

Anupama was speaking after inaugurating a lecture here recently on the late Kanakadasa held by Goregaon Karnataka Sangha – Library section and Mangalore University Kanakadasa research center.  Famous author and intellectual Ravi R Anchan presided over the programme.

“Ramadanya Charithe” poem written by Kanakadasa reminds us of rice and millet and appears like a statement against discrimination in society. So far birds, trees and nature were the feature for poems but meditation made by Kanakadasa as a feature for his poetry shows his excellence in talent”, said Anupama.

He explained the purpose of lectures advising not to fight for caste and creed.  “He is influential as a poet and lyricist among us.  However his poems have not influenced us the way they should have.  The university has attempted to make them reach the people here.  We are glad to see the desire”, said Dr Shivarama Shetty, convener of Mangalore university Kanakadasa seat.

“Kanakadasa was a poet and a warrior.  He is equal to poet Pampa of Champoo era.  He is also a saint poet. His poetry echoes among common people even now.  Questions whether he is a Srivaishava, Vaishnava or Shaiva have no meaning.  His poems show that he was a rational human being”, said Ravi R Anchan in his presidential address.

Members of the sangh sang poems of Kanakadas under the leadership of Vidya Deshpande, Nikhita Amin, Seema Kulkarni, Vasudha Nayak, Usha Shetty and Rakshita Nayak.  Vasanthi Kotekar, Veda Suvarna, Mohini Poojary, Sushila Nayak, Rama Nayak, Nagaratna Nayak, Sumita Gujaran, Akshari Anchari and Pratiksha Nayak accompanied them.

Shankuntala Prabhu, director of Grantayana welcomed the gathering.  Vice president Laxmi Shetty wished everybody well.  Petri Vishwanatha Shetty set the programme in motion and Usha Shetty proposed vote of thanks.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Mumbai / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Mumbai / Friday – January 24th, 2014