Hampi Kannada University Vice-Chancellor D.V. Paramashivamurthy and others inaugurating a special lecture programme by watering a sapling at Sri Shankar Anand Singh Government First Grade College in Hosapete on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Hampi Kannada University Vice-Chancellor D.V. Paramashivamurthy on Thursday said that understanding the life values and messages embedded in Vachana literature can serve as an effective path towards personality development.
He was speaking after inaugurating a special lecture programme organised jointly by the Department of Kannada and Culture, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, the Chakora Sahitya Vichara Vedike and Sri Shankar Anand Singh Government First Grade College on the college premises in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district.
Prof. Paramashivamurthy said that among various literary forms, Vachana literature occupies a unique and significant place. However, in the age of technology and artificial intelligence, the number of readers engaging with Vachanas has been steadily declining.
He stressed the need for people, especially students, to read Vachanas to understand their deeper meaning rather than treating them as mere ritualistic texts.
Explaining the essence of Vachana literature, he said that correctly interpreting their philosophical message can lead to self-motivated transformation.
He highlighted the global contribution of Kannada Vachana composers and described their literary output as a remarkable gift to world literature. He also explained to students the concise meaning of Basavanna’s well-known Vachana beginning with “Kalabeda Kolabeda…” emphasising the concepts of inner and outer purity.
Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Sahitya Academy member-secretary Mallikarjun B. Manpade said that the Chakora Vachana Sahitya Vedike programme is being organised in PU and degree colleges across the State to create awareness and interest in literature among students.
He urged students to go beyond textbooks and read Vachana literature, novels, short stories and poetry. He said that the Karnataka Sahitya Academy is publishing 100 literary books and called upon youth to move away from excessive mobile phone usage and take to reading Vachana literature.
College principal G. Narayan Hebasur said that the Vachanas written by Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Sarvajna, Akkamahadevi and others carry timeless relevance.
Noting that Vachana recitations and studies are being encouraged not only in India but also abroad, he said that studying Vachana literature can help students develop patience, knowledge and an appreciation of literary excellence.
Eminent thinker and retired professor Mrutyunjaya Rumale delivered a lecture on the role of Vachana literature in shaping a strong personality.
Head of the Kannada Department C. Devanna, Kannada professor Naganna Kilari, Chakora Sahitya Vichara Vedike coordinator Venkatesh Badiger, Umeshwar Mudenur, other faculty members and students were present.
Published – December 18, 2025 08:03 pm IST
