BANGALORE: Prof F Sudhakar was given the Kanaka Shree award on Wednesday on the occasion of 523rd birth anniversary of 16th century poet, Kanaka Dasa.
Like the legendary saint-poet, Prof Sudhakar too hails from a hamlet and has followed his example in taking up social causes. Kannada and Culture Minister Govind M Karjol presented the award. He said Kanaka Jayanti had become as popular as the anniversaries of Gandhiji, Buddha and Basavanna, as Kanaka Dasa’s contribution to society was no less. On his anniversary, people across the state remembered the poet, who is renowned for his compositions for the common man and fight against the caste system.
The state government has constituted the Kanaka Shree award to honour individuals who follow the ideals of Kanaka Dasa to fight social evils. The award comprises Rs 5 lakh and a plaque.
Accepting the award, Prof Sudhakar quoted a Telugu saying, which roughly translates into, “Kanaka is the best in Kannada”, which proves his standing and popularity outside Karnataka. He remarked, “Kanaka Dasaru had a lot of love for the language. His preachings are relevant not just in the 16th Century, but even today.”
Kanaka Dasa is credited for standing up for the rights of backward communities and helping them adapt to the changing needs of the world. His works set a new trend for Kannada literature.
The State Government has declared the birthday of Kanaka Dasa as a state holiday with celebrations held across the state.
