Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 7: Yoga instructor Devika Purushottam, the recipient of the Pampa Sadbhavana State Award, presented in the name of Kavi Chakravarti Pampa, described the evening as an unforgettable and humbling experience during the Ranga Sambrama 2025 event held at the iconic Ravindra Kalakshetra.
She expressed great pride in receiving the award, acknowledging the honour of being recognised in the name of one of Kannada literature’s greatest poets.
The award ceremony was graced by Justice N Santosh Hegde, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, former solicitor general, and the Lokayukta (ombudsman) of Karnataka from 2006 to 2011. Justice Hegde’s distinguished career in law and governance was highlighted during the event.
Speaking about the award, Devika Purushottam, who runs Devika Yoga Centre expressed how honoured she felt to receive the accolade in the name of Kavi Chakravarti Pampa, also known as Adikavi Pampa, calling it a profound privilege. She referred to Pampa as a foundational figure in Kannada literature, noting that Pampa, a 10th-century Kannada poet and Jain scholar, was widely regarded as the first poet in the language.
The recipient further highlighted Pampa’s monumental contributions, particularly his epics Vikramarjuna Vijaya (also known as Pampa Bharata) and Adi Purana, which were integral in shaping the literary tradition. She also spoke of Pampa’s introduction of the Champu style—a blend of prose and poetry—that has guided countless poets and writers in Kannada literature. The recipient remarked that Pampa’s works continue to inspire and influence contemporary Kannada writers.
She also emphasised Pampa’s wider influence, noting that his contributions extended beyond Kannada literature to inspire the development of Telugu literature, which evolved from the Kadamba script two centuries after Pampa’s time. “Pampa’s works had a lasting impact, helping shape the literary landscape of not just Kannada but also Telugu,” the recipient noted.
Reflecting on Pampa’s Vikramarjuna Vijaya, Devika Purushottam described it as a unique Jain interpretation of the Mahabharata, where Arjuna is portrayed as the central hero, thus reflecting Jain philosophical principles. She stated that Pampa’s influence transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, making him a key figure in the broader literary tradition.
In conclusion, the recipient expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that being honoured in the name of such a monumental figure was not just a personal privilege but a moment for deep reflection and thankfulness. She expressed her immense pride at being able to carry forward Pampa’s literary legacy.