Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that Vishwakarma community and other Kayaka Samajas (Vocational trade based communities) have the power to drive out foreign products, including ‘Made in China’ articles, D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation Chairman R. Raghu Kautilya said that the Corporation is working on plans to impart skill development training to Kayaka Samajas with a touch of latest technology in keeping with the current day requirements.

He was speaking at Vishwakarma Amarashilpi Jakanachari Commemoration Day programme organised jointly by the District Administration, Kannada & Culture Department and Amarashilpi Jakanachari Samsmarana Samiti at Kirurangamandira in Kalamandira premises here on Friday.

Pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions the name of 12th century social reformer Basavanna in many of his speeches because of the fact that Basavanna promoted Kayaka Samajas, Raghu Kautilya said that it was D. Devaraj Urs who worked for the cause of Backward Communities after Basavanna. Now Chief Minister Yediyurappa is working towards realising the dreams of Basavanna, who always stood for Kayaka principles, he said. 

Observing that Vishwakarma Samaja has played a key role in our culture and traditions gaining global attention, he said that Amarashilpi Jakanachari, a great sculptor that he was, brought richness to our arts, sculpture and customs. Maintaining that Jakanachari’s sculptures are of global standards, he said that the legendary sculptor of the 12th century is a model for present day artists.

MLA L. Nagendra, in his address, said that it was the first time that Jakanachari Commemoration Day programme is being held in city. Asserting that there is no other match for  the legendary sculptor’s works, he said that Channakeshava Temple at Belur stands testimony to the masterly skills of the great sculptor. Noting that Vishwakarma community members, apart from making progress in their vocation, should also concentrate on the education of their children, Nagendra said education is everyone’s right and the community should stand in support of their children for achieving academic success.

Amarashilpi Vedike submitted a memorandum to the MLA seeking to name a park and road after Jakanachari, to install his bust at a prominent junction  and to construct a Amarashilpi Jakanachari Samudaya Bhavan. 

Noted sculptors Bangara Achar of Kabballi in Gundlupet, Chennappachar of Mysuru, Yogiraj of K.R. Mohalla, Srikantachar of K.G. Koppal and Rajyotsava awardee Janardhan Murthy (Janardhanachar) were felicitated on the occasion.

MyLAC Chairman N.V. Phaneesh, KEA Chairman Hemanthkumar Gowda, Corporators Ramani and Chayadevi, Vishwakarma community leader Huchappachar, ADC B.S. Manjunathaswamy, Kannada & Culture Asst. Director H. Channappa, Samsmarana Samiti President S. Nagaraj and Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike President  K.S. Shivaram were present.