Belagavi
The teachings of Vishwaguru Basavanna came alive in Belagavi as more than a thousand voices joined together to sing 34 vachanas during a grand Vachanotsava held at the KLE Deemed University campus.
The event, organized by KLE Higher Education and Research Academy in association with its Kannada Wing and College of Music, created a spiritual and cultural atmosphere that captivated the audience for one hour and fifteen minutes.
Participants ranging from five-year-old children to eighty-year-old senior citizens took part in the programme. Students, doctors, teachers, faculty members and staff from various KLE institutions sang the vachanas in unison with discipline and devotion.
Dressed in white attire and wearing special Vachanotsava shawls carrying Basavanna’s image, the participants presented the vachanas in a melodious and synchronized manner. The performance followed the musical style popularized by renowned singer late C. Ashwath.
Organizers said this was the first event of its kind in Belagavi, inspired by a similar programme conducted earlier in Shivamogga. The music faculty was appreciated for its dedicated efforts over the last three months in training participants and preparing for the event.
KLE Chancellor Dr. Prabhakar Kore, who attended as the chief guest, praised the performance and announced that a large-scale Vachanotsava would be organized every year.
Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted Basavanna’s message of equality and social justice. He said Basavanna opposed caste and class discrimination through Anubhava Mantapa and promoted equal opportunities for all sections of society.
Several dignitaries, scholars and religious leaders attended the programme and emphasized that Basavanna’s vachanas continue to inspire humanity, peace and social harmony.