Mysuru:  “Kuvempu is the Vivekananda of Karnataka who, through his writings, holds a mirror to the past and present. To understand Kannada language and Karnataka, one must study Kuvempu,” said Littérateur Dr. C.P. Krishna Kumar (CPK).

He was speaking after inaugurating the one-day ‘Kuvempu Sahityotsava’ jointly organised by Janachetana Trust and Grameen Trust this morning at Kalamandira here and said that culture, civilisation and nature are all reflected in Kuvempu’s works.

“There is so much of discussion about the Constitution today in the country. But all aspects of it are highlighted in Kuvempu’s literary works. He was always against superstition of any kind and fought against caste, religion and ignorance in the society.

His ‘Vishwa Manava Sandesha’ (Universal Man Message) will hopefully see the light of the day in the near future, he said.

CPK released the magazine  ‘Negila Haadu’ on the occasion.

Gandhi Bhavan Director Prof. M.S. Shekar said that the different aspects and some rare photos of Kuvempu have been captured in the 75 pages in the magazine. Kuvempu, who was the epitome of patience, devoted his entire life to literature and brought out several works based on his                                                ideology, he added.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat District President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna said that Kuvempu’s influence on literature and society was very huge and through his writing, he took the Kannada literature forward.

A book titled ‘Kalakke Kannadi — Vishwakavi Kuvempu,’ edited by Raju B. Kannali and Dr. Honnaiah Honnalagere, was also released on the occasion.

Former Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Chidananda Gowda also spoke.

Janachetana President Prasanna N. Gowda, ‘Negila Haadu’ special issue Associate Editor Dr. Honnaiah Honnalagere, Karnataka State Resource Centre’s Dr. S. Tukaram and others were present.

Swathi Madappadi sang Kuvempu’s compositions and this was followed by a dance-drama by Dr. Kripa Phadke and team based on Kuvempu’s works.

This will be followed by the staging of the drama ‘Shudra Tapasvi’ based on Kuvempu’s play by students of Lalitha Kala College, Manasagangothri.

Kalamandira was overflowing with students and the public.