Tributes were paid to saint poet Kanakadasa on his birth anniversary by various political leaders, officials and members of various organisations in the districts of Kittur Karnataka on Saturday by holding talks on him and honouring winners of various competitions organised to mark the occasion.
Participating in the ‘Kanaka Jayanti’ programme organised by district administration, Department of Kannada and Culture in Dharwad on Saturday, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said that saint poet Kanakadasa was not only the father of ‘dasa literature’ but also a social reformer, thinker and epitome of humanity.
“Through his ‘keertane’ against social discrimination and differences on the lines of caste, community and colour, he enlightened the masses. His literature advocates equality, tolerance and harmony”, he said.
Mr. Joshi said that imbibing the values laid down by Kanakadasa would help in spreading peace, harmony and mutual respect in the society. “Kanakadasa was the voice of the poor and the downtrodden and his messages are relevant and guiding spirit to us. His principles are the basis of Kannada culture too,” he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C.D. termed Kanakadasa as unparalleled social reformer, who advocated equal opportunity and respect for all. He questioned the deep rooted superstitions and inequality in the society through his ‘keertane’, which had universal value.
Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar emphasised the need for following the ideals advocated by the saint poet and appealed to people to come out of the shackles of caste and community to strive towards establishing an egalitarian society.
Basavaraj Devaru of Sri Revanasiddheshwar Maha Mutt recalled the contributions of the saint poet. Associate Organising Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Kurubara Sangha Rajeshwari Salagatti spoke and B.G. Biradar delivered a talk on the saint poet. A host of leaders including MLA Arvind Bellad and various officials were present. Winners of the essay competition were given prizes on the occasion.
In Hubballi
Inaugurating the ‘Kanaka Jayanti’ celebrations organised by the taluk administration in Hubballi, Hubballi Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, emphasised the need for not restricting Kanakadasa to any particular community. Kanakadasa’s messages were of universal nature and everyone should make efforts to follow the path laid down by him, he said.
Navalgund MLA N.H. Konaraddi paid floral tributes, while Sharanu Annigeri delivered a talk. Social activists from the community were honoured on the occasion.
Similar programmers were held at the district and taluk headquarters of the districts in Kittur Karnataka and in some places enthusiastic youths even took out motorcycle rallies to mark the occasion.
Published – November 08, 2025 07:25 pm IST
