Mysore/Mysuru: “Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, who is regarded as the emperor of modern Kannada literature, excelled in all forms of literature and became famous,” opined scholar Prof. N.S. Taranath.

He was speaking at a function organised at Prasaranga, University of Mysore (UoM), to commemorate the birth anniversary of doyen of  Kannada literature.

“Kannada is all-pervasive in Kuvempu’s teaching, research and writings. Kuvempu excelled in all forms of literature and became famous. We must pledge to implement the values propagated by him in his life and writings. Kuvempu propagated Pancha Mantra and Sapta Vakya. He urged people to spread the ideas of Boundless Consciousness (Aniketana Prajne), Unhindered use of mind (Nirankushamati), Development of Everyone (Sarvodaya Kalpane) &  Universal Message (Vishvamanava Sandesha),” he said.

Stating that Kuvempu had special bonding with Prasaranga, he said that Kuvempu took knowledge to the doorstep of common man. “Impressed by the works of Prasaranga, the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh V.V. Giri had declared that he would set up Prasarangas in all the six Universities for which he was the Chancellor. Prasaranga was very dear for Kuvempu throughout his life,” added Prof. Taranath.

“Kuvempu’s contributions to UoM is unique and enormous. Prasaranga must collect articles about Kuvempu’s recollection of his student life, inauguration of Prasaranga, his speech at the inaugural function of Manasagangothri, poem written by him on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee function of UoM and publish them,” he concluded.

Director of Prasaranga Dr. Nanjaiah Honganur, in his keynote address, said that the credit of starting, nurturing and developing Prasaranga should go to Kuvempu.

Prior to this, UoM Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath, who inaugurated the function, said that  Kuvempu, who spread the message of ‘Vishwamanava,’ must be remembered by all of us for his contribution to Kannada and society through his writings.

Kannada Rajyotsava  awardee and writer Prof. C. Naganna was felicitated at the function.

Singer Ramachandra and troupe sang songs written by Kuvempu. Folk artistes Sundaresh and troupe presented Veeragase and Puja Kunita.