Moodbidri: A state-level workshop on “Ambigara Chowdayya’s Vachanas: Vachana Viveka” was jointly organised by Mangalore University’s Ambigara Chowdayya Research Centre and Kannada Department of Alva’s College, Moodbidri at Shivarama KaranthVedike, Vidyagiri.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Subramanya Yadapadittaya inaugurated the programme and said, “There are many research centres in Mangalore University but the Ambigara Chowdayya Research Centre is special and very important. The philosophy of the 800 years old Vachanas is relevant even today.
He emphasised that awareness should be created among youngsters to make them understand the importance of Vachanas. “There is a bad influence of smartphones on the youngsters these days. We should have control over smartphones and not vice versa.” he added. “If we use poison diligently, it can become a medicine. But if the medicine is abused, it becomes poisonous. Smartphone and internet have been invented to make our lives easier but they must not harm our growth.”
He added and said, “Development of every individual has five dimensions, which includes physical, mental, intellectual, social and ethical development. These dimensions are given the highest weightage in Vachana Sahithya.
AEF Chairman Dr Mohan Alva said “The main aim of the Vachana Literature is to establish a healthy society. It helps us to introspect ourselves and learn from it.”
Critic Dr S Nataraj Boodalu, said that Karnataka is a land of diversity. The Shudras gave the Vachana Literature, which is the best form of literature in the earth.
He said, “Vachanas tries to bring the society on the moral path. Knowing what is right and wrong is not learned in the curriculum but through Vachanas one can.”
Dr S. Nataraja spoke on “Talasamudayada Vachana Kararu”. Dr Nityananda Shetty, Professor, Tumkuru University highlighted on “Bhakti: Anyonavo? Advaitavo?” and Dr Subhadas Maravanthe, Head, Kannada Department, Sahyadri College, Shivmogga gave an informative session on “Sharana Sahitya Mattu Bandaya”.
