Union Minister Pralhad Joshi paid floral tributes to Kanakadasa during ‘Kanaka Jayanti’ celebrations in Dharwad on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Various political leaders, officials and members of various organizations in Kittur districts of Karnataka paid tribute to saint poet Kanakadas on his birth anniversary on Saturday by holding talks on him and felicitating the winners of various competitions organized on the occasion.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, who participated in the ‘Kanaka Jayanti’ program organized by the District Administration, Department of Kannada and Culture in Dharwad on Saturday, said that poet saint Kanakadasa was not only the father of ‘dasa literature’ but also a social reformer, thinker and embodiment of humanity.
“He enlightened the masses with his ‘keertan’ against social discrimination and differences on the lines of caste, community and colour. His literature advocates equality, tolerance and harmony,” he said.
Mr. Joshi said that imbibing the values laid down by Kanakadasa will help in spreading peace, harmony and mutual respect in the society. “Kanakadasa was the voice of the poor and downtrodden and his messages are relevant to us and a guiding spirit. His principles are also the foundation of Kannada culture,” he said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta CD described Kanakadasa as an exemplary social reformer who advocated equal opportunities and respect for all. He challenged deep-rooted superstitions and inequalities in society through his ‘keertana’ which had universal value.
Commissioner of Police N. Shashikumar emphasized the need to follow the ideals advocated by the saintly poet and appealed to the people to come out of the shackles of caste and community and strive for an egalitarian society.
Basavaraj Devaru of Sri Revanasiddheshwar Maha Mutt recalled the contributions of this saint poet. Deputy Organizing Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Kurubara Sangha Rajeshwari Salagatti spoke and BG Biradar gave a speech on the saint poet. A number of leaders including MLA Arvind Bellad and various officials were present. On this occasion, the winners of the essay competition were awarded.
In Hubballi
Inaugurating the ‘Kanaka Jayanti’ celebrations organized by the taluk administration in Hubballi, Hubballi Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, emphasized the need not to limit Kanakadas to any particular community. Kanakadas’s messages were universal in nature and everyone should try to follow the path laid by him, he said.
Navalgund MLA NH Konaraddi paid floral tributes while Sharanu Annigeri spoke. Social activists from the community were felicitated on the occasion.
Similar programmers were held at the district and taluk headquarters of the districts in Kittur Karnataka and at some places enthusiastic youth even took out motorcycle races on the occasion.
Published – 8 Nov 2025 19:25 IST
