Kuvempu had the power to mesmerise masses: Justice A.J. Sadashiva

Mysuru: Maintaining that Rashtrakavi Kuvempu had the power to mesmerise the masses, former Karnataka High Court Judge Justice A.J. Sadashiva said that students used to highly respect the legendary poet when he was the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of University of Mysore (UoM).

He was speaking after inaugurating the Global Meet of University of Mysore Alumni Association (UMAA) at Rani Bahadur auditorium on Hunsur Road here on Friday. Recalling the days when Kuvempu headed UoM, Justice (retd.) Sadashiva cited an instance when protesting students of the University backtracked upon seeing the majesty and intellectual personality of the legendary poet. Reiterating that Kuvempu was authentic in convincing and sensitising people, he said that the UoM is home to several global achievers, which itself is fascinating.

Recalling his student days at Bengaluru, he said that he still has the copy of ‘Kumaravyasa Bharata,’ which was given to him by Dr. L. Seebaiah of UoM.

Member of the erstwhile Royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, who is the Chief Patron of UMAA, said that Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation will help in the construction of Alumni Association building, for which the UoM should provide space. She handed over a cheque  for Rs. 50,000 to the Alumni Association.

Several top achievers, who are alumni of UoM, were conferred ‘Distinguished Alumni Awards’ on the occasion. They are: Padma Shri Dr. V. Prakash (Science & Technology), Prof. K. Chidananda Gowda (Administration), Dr. C.L. Laxmipathi Gowda (Agriculture Science), Dr. C.D. Srinivasa Murthy (Medical), Prof. D.A. Shankar (Literature), Ravikumar Joshi (Foreign Service), Abbas Salehbhai Vagh (Industry) and H.R. Leelavathi  (Music & Arts).