Panditrao Dharennavar is a teacher in a college in Chandigarh, faraway from Karnataka – his native state. An aficionado of Karnataka’s 12th century saints, he has found a way to stay true to his roots even outside of his hometown. 

On the occasion of Akka Mahadevi’s birth anniversary on Tuesday, Panditrao cycled to villages in Punjab to spread the message of love and one religion.

He did not hesitate to make pit stops en route, taking every opportunity to interact with curious youth. Talking to Deccan Herald, he expressed an urgent need to bring communities from southern and northern India to participate collectively during religious occasions. He believes that religion is a medium to bring people from diverse communities and all walks of life closer together.

Vachans in Punjabi

Having learned the local language to perfection, Panditrao has translated Vachans of Akka Mahadevi, Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Kanaka Dasa, Purandara Dasa, Sarvajna and Santha Shishunala Sharif from Kannada to Punjabi. He has also translated sacred texts such as Shri Jap Ji Saheb, Sukhmani Saheb and Zafarnamah into Kannada.