Mysuru: Observing that it would not be wrong to say that Appacha Kavi was a treasure of knowledge, writer Addanda Cariappa said that it was indeed a fortune to get an opportunity to speak about the great Kodava poet and writer.

He was speaking at Amara Kavya musical programme organised by city’s Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha as part of Appacha Kavi’s 150th birth anniversary at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here on Sunday.

Noting that Appacha Kavi was the greatest of Kodagu poets, Cariappa said that some of the Kodagu writers’ plays were comparable with that of Shakespeare and Kalidasa.

Pointing out that Appacha Kavi is widely known as Kalidasa of Kodagu, he said that the writer was the first to script plays in Kodava language based on Mahabharatha and Ramayana epics.

Stating that Appacha Kavi’s writings were not limited to Kodagu alone, he said that the Kodava writer stands among renowned writers and philosophers of the world.

Madrira Sanju Belliappa rendered Appacha Kavi’s songs while Addanda Cariappa and Anitha Cariappa performed the musical feature.

The duo was assisted by Srinivas on the keyboard, Chandru on the tabla and Andira Kusum Madappa.

Earlier in the day, a food fest and funfair which featured a variety of entertainment including fun games was held.

Retired DCP and Kodava Samaja President Balliyamanda M. Nanaiah inaugurated the day-long event.

Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha President Jerry Ponnappa, Vice-President Bollu Kuttappa, Secretary Kavya Kuttappa and others were present.