Mysore/Mysuru: Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Siddharamaiah said that everyone should become a Vishwamanava by imbibing the values propagated by Buddha, Basava, Kanakadasa, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Ambedkar and such other great preachers.

He was speaking at Kanakadasa Jayanthi and ‘Kanakashri’ award conferment programme organised jointly by Karnataka Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike and Karnataka Unit of Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy at Vijnana Bhavan, Manasagangothri here yesterday.

Maintaining that mere celebration of Jayanthis is not enough, Siddharamaiah said that the true celebration of Jayanthis lies in following the principles advocated by great saints, philosophers and leaders. Noting that it is equally important to propagate the values preached by other saints and philosophers too along with Kanakadasa, the Opposition Leader observed that the younger generation cannot be guided in an appropriate manner without knowing the history of the country.

Stressing on the need for everyone to understand the life of all achievers and personalities, he recalled the life of Kanakadasa who came from an autocratic family and went on to become a saint.

He further said that earning multiple degrees would be of no use until we develop human values.

University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar and senior Journalist Ravindra Bhat (Executive Editor of Kannada daily ‘Prajavani’) were conferred State-level ‘Kanakashri’ award on the occasion. Also, activist A.M. Babu, Journalist Beeresh Kabini, folk singer Devananda Varaprasad, talented youth M.P. Chetana, youth activist S.M. Siddaraju (Madhu), social activist N.S. Naga, writer Shreyas and Kalidasa Student Hostel Trust President Indrani were conferred district level Kanakashri Award.

Earlier, Rajya Hindulida Vargagala Jagruta Vedike President K.S. Shivaramu delivered the keynote address.

Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy National Secretary Subhash H. Kanade presided. Academy State Unit President C. Venkatesh, former UoM faculty Prof. B.P. Maheshchandra Guru, Rammanohar Lohia Vichara Vedike State President Malavalli Shivanna, UoM VC Special Officer Dr. H.K. Chetan, former Zilla Panchayat (ZP) President K. Marigowda, Mahesh Sosale and others were present during the programme.