Mysuru: Observing that Kuvempu’s Mahakavya ‘Shri Ramayana Darshanam’ is like a jewel in the ‘Vishwavani’ crown, veteran littérateur Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar (CPK) has said that Kuvempu was literally a Rashtrakavi.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Vishwamanava Day’ organised ly by District Administration, Kannada and Culture Department and Kuvempu Jayantotsava Samiti, marking the birth anniversary of Rastrakavi Kuvempu (K.V. Puttappa) at Kalamandira this morning.

Pointing out that Kuvempu through his writings, made efforts to eliminate superstitious practice among the people, CPK said that Kuvempu’s Vishwamanava message is widely accepted across the globe.

Noting that Kuvempu is not restricted to any caste or religion, he said that although Kuvempu did not physically take part in the freedom movement, he (Kuvempu) inspired many freedom fighters through his writings.

MLA G.T. Devegowda said that Kuvempu  was an inspirational figure for all Kannadigas.

Pointing out that Kuvempu made a mark for himself in the literary world through his writings that focussed on humanity and universal brotherhood, he said that Kuvempu was a rare poet as he wrote his works in all forms of literature.

Highlighting that Kuvempu’s Vishwamanava message is very much relevant even now, with the world mired in distrust, he stressed on the need for the younger generation to  carry forward Kuvempu’s messages to the humanity.

He further called upon the people to study Kuvempu’s works in order to have a deeper understanding of the Rashtrakavi.

Earlier, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Kuvempu. MLA Vasu presided.

ADC T. Yogesh, theatre personality Rajashekar Kadamba, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, former President M. Chandrashekhar, Kannada and Culture Department Assistant Director H. Channappa, Kannada activist Thayur Vittalamurthy, Corporator M. Ramesh and others were present.