“Akka Mahadevi, symbol of women’s independence, is still relevant”

Silver Jubilee fete of Kadali Mahila Vedike

Mysore/Mysuru: “Akka Mahadevi, the 12th century social reformer, who was a symbol of women’s independence, is still relevant, being the representative of modern-age women and the symbol of  conscious and rational thinking,” opined retired Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Sanskrit University Dr. Padma Shekar.

She was speaking after inaugurating the Silver Jubilee celebrations of city’s Kadali Mahila Vedike and Akka Mahadevi Jayanti jointly organised by District and City Units of Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Kadali Mahila Vedike at Navajyothi auditorium, JSS Women’s College, Saraswathipuram in the city recently.

“In the entire Sharana movement, Akka remains the tallest spiritual leader after Allama Prabhu.  Her tale of rising to great heights after initial setbacks is always inspiring for us,” said the retired VC.

Observing that 12th century gave a new dimension to spiritualism in our State, Dr. Padma Shekar said that “Sharana literary movement though basically focused on devotion and spreading of religion, the highlight of this movement was its intention to bring in social reforms and using  devotion for the welfare of the people and converting it to become pro-people.”

Sharanas expressed the language of religion which was till then a hard nut to crack for the common man, in a simple dialect which can be understood by everyone. They propagated the concept of a casteless society and considered everyone irrespective of caste, profession and gender as equal and respected all professions, which ignited a new light in the lives of the lower strata communities who were in majority, added Dr. Padma Shekar.

Sharanas gave separate identity for women and equality which inspired confidence in them, she concluded.

Thinker and educationist Dr. Gururaj Karajagi, who spoke on ‘Akkana Adhyatmika Mattu Anubhaavada Darshana,’ said that the revolutions brought in by the Sharanas were extraordinary. There have been several revolutions across the globe earlier also, like revolution in the field of education and social revolution.

“But Sharana movement created revolution which included everything like cultural, social and economical and for the first time in the world that, such an all inclusive revolution happened in our State. Even today, it has not been possible for us to bring in total equality in society. Akka Mahadevi achieved this 900 years ago which was her major contribution to the entire world,” added Dr. Gururaja Karajagi.

Door-to-door campaign planned

Kadali Mahila Vedike, which came into existence on May 7, 2000, has completed 24 years and is on the cusp of its 25th year. To mark the Silver Jubilee Year, the Vedike has organised  a programme ‘Sharaneyara Aaagamana’ and carry out a door-to-door campaign.  Apart from organising various programmes throughout the Silver Jubilee year, the Vedike will publish a book about Akka Mahadevi which depicts the life of Akka with photographs,” said Sharada Shivalingaswamy, President, Kadali Mahila Vedike, Mysuru. Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the function. State Convenor of Kadali Mahila Vedike Susheela Somashekar, Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya  Parishat President Dr. C. Somashekar, District President Dr. Helavarahundi Siddappa, City President M.G. Sadanandaiah and others were present.