At a ceremony to mark the birth anniversary of Kanakadasa, Gowda honoured Dr T N Nagarathna, Dr H J Lakkappa Gowda and Prof Jyothi Hosur with the awards for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The award carries citation, shawl and a cash award of Rs five lakh. On the occasion, minister for Kannada and Culture Govind M Karjol released a CD on the life and works of Kanakadasa brought out by Kannada and Culture Department.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said Kanakadasa is more relevant today as divisive forces are creating rift in the society.
Flaying the political class too, the chief minister said people who come to power are expected to broaden their outlook, which tragically is not happening. “If we want reform in society and system, we have to follow the preaching of Kanakadasa. It’s very easy to preach others but difficult to follow,” said Gowda.
He was also critical about the way Kanakadasa Jayanthi is celebrated. “Some people celebrate this day for vote bank and some continue celebrating it as an annual ritual. But one should not forget that the objective behind celebrating these events is to imbibe Kanakadasa’s teaching,” said Gowda.
He added that the government decided to give a holiday on account of Kanakadasa Jayanthi so that people can hold seminars, discussions and events so that his teachings are not lost.