Mysuru: Marking ‘Kayaka Dinacharane’ (workers’ day), the city wing of Sharana Sahitya Parishat had organised a function at Rajendra Bhavan here yesterday where three Kayaka yogis were presented ‘Kayakasri’ awards.

The awards were presented by Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy to  Charma Kuteera employee P. Swamy, factory employee Puttamadappa and Veerashaiva burial ground worker Mahadevappa.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganapathy said that as work is worship, there is no life without work. Everybody has to work and there is dignity in whatever one does by way of labour. Upholding the dignity of labour, any work should be done properly with dedication. He hailed the Parishat for honouring the three persons in appreciation of their work.

Inaugurating the programme, former Rotary District Governor G.K. Balakrishnan said that Sharanas brought dignity to certain jobs which were looked down upon by the upper class and added that Basavanna viewed a house of a devotee as a divine place. He suggested that Basavana Bagewadi, the birth place of Basavanna, too should be developed on the lines of Koodalasangama. He opined that the messages of Shiva Sharanas should be followed to eradicate castism, inequality and superstition in society.

Sri Nataraja Swamiji of Gawadagere Sri Gurulinga Jangama Devara Mutt graced the occasion. Former Professor of Mysore University C. Naganna, Parishat President G.R. Parameshwarappa, Secretary Mahadevappa, M.G. Sadanandaiah and others were present.