Gonikoppal: The birth anniversary of ancient poet of Kodagu Haradasa Appaneravanda Appacha (Sept.21) will henceforth be celebrated as ‘Kodava Sahitya Dina’ in recognition of the poet’s immense contribution to Kodava literature.

A decision to that effect was taken at a function organised jointly by Shivamogga Agriculture and Horticulture University, Ponnampet College and Kodagu Rangabhoomi Pratisthana to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Haradasa Appacha Kavi at Forest College auditorium in Ponnampet on Friday.

A declaration to that effect was released by M. Asha Mandanna, Chairperson, Appacha Kavi College Management Council, Ponnampet.

Inaugurating the programme after offering floral tributes to a portrait of poet Appacha, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy recalled that Appacha had come out with many poems on spirituality and wished that the poet could have written a few poems on reformation of the social system for which the poet had enough knowledge and strength. He contended that theatre and poetry were powerful tools to correct society.

Releasing a book of Appacha, Akhila Kodava Samaja Working President I.K. Biddappa expressed happiness that Kodava literature had gained importance and popularity despite a thin population of Kodavas.

Speaking on the occasion, Kendra Sahitya Academy Member A. Cariappa recalled that the then Chief Minister of Kodagu ‘C’ State C.M. Poonacha had conferred the title of ‘Varakavi’ on poet Appacha who popularised Kodava literature using Kannada script.

Kodagu Rangabhoomi Prathistana Chief Convenor Anitha Cariappa welcomed the gathering. Former College Dean Dr. C. Kushalappa and others were present. Cariappa and other artistes presented a programme ‘Amarakavya’ featuring poems of Appacha Kavi.