JOIN USThe life and times, select literary works and compositions of 16th century saint-poet Kanakadasa is being brought out in 15 languages, Minister of State for Kannada and Culture Umashree said on Saturday.
She was speaking at the 527th Kanakadasa Jayanthi celebrations organised by the Kannada and Culture Department at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.
Umashree said besides Kannada, the single volume book is being brought out in 14 other languages including English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Urdu, Marathi, Konkani, Kodava, Tulu, Sanskrit, Bengali, Assamese and Punjabi.
The Kannada version of the book was released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The State-run National Saint Poet Kanakadasa Study and Research Centre in Bengaluru has been entrusted with the task of translation. Umashree said the process of the translation would be completed soon.
Siddaramaiah presented this year’s Kanakashree award to litterateur A V Navada. The award carries a cash prize of Rs five lakh and a citation. Navada has done extensive research in “dasa” literature. Navada, the author of 40 books, is also an expert lexicographer.
Speaking on the occasion, Navada suggested that the government should take up revision of the 50-volume complete works of Kanakadasa. Efforts should also be made to translate Kanakadasa’s works in foreign languages.
Siddaramaiah said the teachings of Kanakadasa were relevant even today. The saint fearlessly fought against caste discrimination and worked towards the welfare of all, he said.
Samatha Sainik Dal submitted a memorandum to Siddaramaiah suggesting that the State government install a statue of Kanakadasa in front of Ravindra Kalakshetra. Siddaramaiah said the government will actively consider the proposal.