Pics : Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Dec 14: Mangalore University Kanakadasa Research Center in collaboration with Kannada Association University College, Mangalore, National Service Scheme, and on behalf of the decennial celebration of Kanaka Adyana Pitta organized a ‘Kanaka Keerthana’ singing programme to mark the Kanaka Jayanthi held at Ravindra Kala Bhavana .
After inaugurating the programme Dr H S Venkatesh Murthy, well known poet said that before criticizing or commenting on the work of any author or poet, one must be aware of their works.
"Kanaka's work is famous because it gives the answer for all sorts of life's dilemmas. When I was baby, my mother used to sing Kanaka’s devotional composition to me in the cradle; later in life when I was exposed to the society, I saw the scholarly saints (Haridas) who used to sing his devotional songs (Kerthane) in public which made a great impression in my life".
"The proverbs were so meaningful that even the common farmers used to recite it in their daily life; where as nowadays the theme of music and lyrics has been perverted", he said.
"Even mass media like cinema can give a sense of feel to the audience, it was proved when I saw the film 'Kanakadasa', but unfortunately the feel of music and lyrics are less meaningful", he added.
In his presidential address Dr Shivashankar Murthy said that the programme was a very good success and he wishes that more of such would be organized.
The university has also planned to launch a new website about Kanaka called 'Kanaka Kindi' in March; the government has also sanctioned Rs 1 crore towards the Kanaka Research Center in 2008.
Kanaka was a scholar, saint, whose poems were complete with music, lyrics, spirituality and social concern. Even Herman Mogling discovered 400 words from Kanakadas in 1830, and in 1850 collected 170 more words.
Dr B Shivarama Shetty, coordinator of Kanakadasa Research Center presented the key note address.
Dr Lakshminaryana Bhat H R principal of University College welcomed the gathering while D Gananath Yekkar coordinator officer of NSS delivered the vote of thanks.
Radhika assistant coordinator compered the programme. Raghuraj Kadri and Kasturi sung compositions by Kanakadas.