Mysore/Mysuru: The Annual C.N. Sanjay Birth Anniversary was celebrated at Dhvanyaloka on Bogadi Road here on Nov.8.  The programme consisted of two lectures by eminent Kannada scholars Dr. P.K. Rajashekar, formerly from the Department of Folklore, University of Mysore and Dr. Krishnegowda, formerly from the Department of Kannada and Retired Principal of St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru.

Briefing his intention in organising the two lectures in Kannada, Prof. C.N. Srinath, Director, Dhvanyaloka, observed that both Prof.CDN (whose Birth Centenary was being celebrated this year) and C.N. Sanjay had a close affinity with Kannada language despite they being teachers of English and also, it was appropriate to mark Rajyotsava celebrations by focusing on Kannada language and literature.

Expatiating on the supreme importance of oral tradition in the Indian context, Prof. Srinath cited its role in keeping our great epics alive for thousands of years.  In such a context he wondered how the invention of the Printing Press could have been hailed as something “revolutionary”! He concluded his talk by expressing hope that a University be set up to highlight the importance of epics through music, literature, painting, sculpture, museums and folklore.

Dr. P.K. Rajashekar, who spoke on “Janapada Mahabharata,” impressed the audience with his copious allusions to a veritable ocean of stories that eventually turned a small tale into a Mahabharata.  What one had to recognise was the wealth of imagination even ordinary village folk possessed in inventing countless tales, myths and legends and sustain them through song and dance for ages.  It was an endless tale, he concluded.

The next speaker, Dr. Krishnegowda, who spoke on “Kannada Bhasheya Sobagu Mattu Vaibhava,” mesmerised the audience with his fascinating narration of the richness of Kannada language through multiple examples.  His highly erudite talk dwelt on the importance of Vak-Vagdevi or Vani, Akshara Vani — all symbolising Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning.

Each lecture was followed by a brief but spirited question and answer session.