Popularise Vachanas of Ambigara Chowdaiah: Expert

 Sharana culture goes beyond caste and religion and it provides a glimpse into the reality, said litterateur and folklore expert Prof Amrith Someshwar.

Delivering a lecture at Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanthi celebrations, organised jointly by the district administration, the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, the Kannada and Culture Department and Mogaveera Vyavasthapaka Mandali here on Monday, he said that an individual should not restrict himself within the framework of a caste.

He should think beyond it. ‘Dharma’ is humanity. Casteism will not be of any help to an individual, he added.

“Ambigara Chowdaiah was a great vachana writer. He had given importance to self-respect in his pen name, unlike Basavanna and Akkamahadevi who had penned in the name of Koodalasangama and Chenna Mallikarjuna,” he said. 

 He had used simple language in his vachanas, so that it could be understood by all. The inscriptions of many rulers do not touch upon the pulse of the people. It only praises the rulers. As a result, it becomes an artificial work. However, Vachanas spoke on the common man and it touches the life of all.

Though he used sharp language in his Vachanas, he was not a tough man. He was a simple and soft-cornered person.

Vachanas composed by Ambigara Chowdaiah were more progressive. Ambigara Chowdaiah had not received recognition, unlike others, he lamented.

“As of now, around 300 Vachanas of Ambigara Chowdaiah are available. The research will bring out more vachanas written by him,” he said.

In his introductory speech, Additional DC Dayanand said that the essence of Chowdaiah’s vachanas should be instilled in people’s lives.

“We need to remember it daily. He was a social reformer of the 12th century. Various organisations should come forward to create awareness on the Vachanas of Ambigara Chowdaiah.”

Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha President Keshava Kundar said Vachana written by Chowdaiah should be sung. It should be brought out in audio form.

“We will support any move to compile Vachanas into audio form by at least next birth anniversary celebrations,” he promised. MLA Lalaji Mendon said that realising the contributions of Ambigara Chowdaiah, a Peeta has been set up in Mangalore University, to make a study on the Vachanas.

In his presidential address, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation President Nithin Kumar said that Vachanas are still relevant and there is a need to popularise it.
ZP CEO Dr K N Vijayaprakash, MCC Commissioner Dr Harish and others were present.