Expressing his worry over the evil powers triumphing on the earth, Rashtrakavi awardee senior litterateur Dr G S Shivarudrappa said the conscious society has been worrying over the loss of humanism and universal brotherhood.
He was speaking after receiving the ‘Tulunada gowrava’ at a function organised by the district units of Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Kannada Sahitya Parishat at T V Raman Pai Hall here on Saturday. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade honoured Dr G S Shivarudrappa, popularly known as GSS to the literary world.
Dr Shivarudrappa said Dakshina Kannada is a land of harmony and integrity that gave birth to great souls like Rashtrakavi Manjeshwara Govinda Pai, who had a balanced attitude towards ‘Krishna and Christ’.
“I am fortunate to belong to the lines of two previous Rashtrakavis, M Govind Pai and Dr Kuvempu, who rendered great service to the literary world and broke the orthodox system of literature,” he stated.
Appreciating the enterprising nature of the people of South Canara, he said the people of Dakshina Kannada have eliminated the usual allegation on Kannadigas that they are not active enough for the competitive world.
“DK is a land that witnessed several firsts. The first Kannada paper, the first printing press, the first attempt in the reformation of Kannada script, the first Kannada novel on social reformation, the first small story... they are all the contributions from DK district,” he lauded.
Dr GSS, who also inaugurated the district unit of Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat, said the vachanas of sharanas marked the origin of a new religion in the human history. “They have explained the fundamentals of a true religion. The vachana movement provided equal status for women with men,” he pointed out.

‘Balanced critic’
In his address, Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade termed Dr GSS as a balanced critic, a great teacher and litterateur. “It is a pleasure to read his works. Felicitating him is not felicitating a person, but honouring a dignified soul,” he observed.
Udupi Pejawar Mutt seer Vishweshateertha Swamiji and Suttur Samsthana (Mysore) seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji delivered benedictory addresses. Akhila Bharat Sharana Sahitya Parishat President Go Ru Channabasappa, Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punaroor, Sharana Sahitya Parishat district head B Ashakiran and DK Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura were present.