Mysore/Mysuru: “Upanishads, written by our ancient saints, proclaim that God is present in every corner of the world and he is omnipresent,” said Adichunchanagiri Mutt’s Mysuru branch Head Sri Somanatha Swamiji.

He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Devara Dinagalu,’ an autobiography of former Professor of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) Prof. Somashekaragowda, at a function organised on the occasion of his (Prof. Somashekaragowda) 75th birthday at Vijnana Bhavan in Manasagangothri here on Apr. 16.

“By writing his autobiography on his 75th birthday, Prof. Somashekaragowda has given a literary gift to the society. He has a rural background and has recorded his feelings about his village in his book. It is rare that thinkers believe in God. But Prof. Somashekaragowda has abundant faith in God,” opined the Seer.

Sri Chandrashekara Shivacharya Swamiji of Belagavi Raibag’s Hukkeri Hiremutt, who spoke about the book  ‘Devara Dinagalu,’ said that Somashekaragowda has believed that every moment of his life is a blessing of God. While most of autobiography writers hide lot of things, Prof. Somashekaragowda has revealed everything in his book, added the Seer.

“The book contains many quality contents. Some orthodox writers who read this book may even feel that the writer should not have written like this. Autobiography is all about telling the truth. ‘Devara Dinagalu’ is a rare book in this regard, opined Sri Chandrashekara Shivacharya Swamiji and concluded by saying that the book which has 424 pages, reaffirms the traditional Indian belief that the main source of all achievements is one’s family and the writer has wholeheartedly appreciated the cooperation of his family members in  his achievements.

Dr. Sri Trinetra Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji of Srirangapatna Chandravana Ashram and Seer of Bebi Mutt, who also spoke at the function, appreciated the title of the book ‘Devara Dinagalu’ since every minute of our life is given by God. “It is only time, which we can truly claim as ours and hence our good works during the time given by God will become important. We should not waste our time as the time wasted will not come to us again. Prof. Somashekaragowda has spent every minute of his time given by God by remembering him and thereby expressed his gratitude to the Almighty,” added Dr. Sri Trinetra Swamiji.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who also graced the occasion, said, “The book ‘Devara Dinagalu’ contains a large number of names. Prof. Somashekaragowda has stored all those names in his memory and has gratefully acknowledged the help he received from his numerous friends and relatives. Somashekaragowda, who has strong belief in God, believes that every moment of his life is a bonus given by the Almighty. He has detailed his life story in a simple and                                                        natural language.”

Author Prof. Somashekaragowda said that the book is a true recording of his life. “God will not let down those who have trust in him and I am a living example for this. Most part of my autobiography is also the autobiography of my wife (Prof. Padma Shekar),” he opined.

Retired Vice-Chancellor of Sanskrit University Prof. Padma Shekar, who spoke on the occasion, said that though 15 years have passed since Prof. Somashekaragowda’s retirement, he never bothered about writing despite our pestering. But he has completed his autobiography is just two months. “He is an ardent worshipper of Lord Sri Rama. If we move along in life with patience and restraint we can lead a good life and our life is a testimony for this,” she concluded.

Prof. Somashekaragowda and Prof. Padma Shekar couple were felicitated at the function. Former Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M. Chandrashekar, Prof. Somashekaragowda’s son Preetam S. Gowda and others  were present.