Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Apr 12: MLC Ivan D'Souza on Tuesday April 12, speaking at the Sri Devara Dasimayya Jayanti celebrations said that people should follow the ideals of the saint-composer Devara Dasimayya.

The celebrations were organised by the district administration and the Department of Kannada and Culture, here at Town Hall.

After paying floral tribute to the portrait of Devara Dasimayya, Ivan said, "Saint-composer Devara Dasimayya has shown the path of truth to the people. He wrote 'vachanas' in simple language, which could be easily understood by the common man. His vachanas had deep philosophical insights. 'Vachanas' written by saint-composer had brought a change in the religious and spiritual field. They instantly appealed to the people as they were written in simple and lucid language."

Deputy commisionner A B Ibrahim said, "The government is observing the birth anniversaries of great people who have contributed towards bringing reforms in our society. The main aim of these anniversaries is to convey the messages of these great people to the public, so that they are inculcated in our lives. But, we see more people on the dais than in the audience. One wonders whether these birth anniversaries have any connection to people of this district. It feels like there is need to send a review proposal to the government on the celebration of such a jayanti."

"We witness a huge number of people on the streets where there are fights and violence. But in programmes like these which are more meaningful, only a handful of people attend. It is really sad when people are seen fighting on streets, malls and other places. If this continues then the opinion of this district will change. The image of this district will be damaged. There is need to change the attitude. We need to protect the culture of this great land."

District president of Kannada Sahitya Acadamy, Pradeep Kalkura said, "Vachanas are not confined to one community. They are a beacon of light for all of us irrespective of the community we belong to. In today's modern era the use of mother tongue or regional languages have drastically reduced. There is need to protect the language. If language is protected then our culture will be protected as well. We need to pass on the rich vachanas that propagate the path of truth, to our younger generation."

Superintendent of police Dr Sharanappa S D, MUDA chairman Kodijal Ibrahim and others were present on the occasion.