Dr Kantharaj urged youth to respect all languages but prioritize Kannada, honoring Halakatti’s Vachana Literature Preservation Day inspiration
CHITRADURGA
Deputy Divisional Officer Dr. K. J. Kantharaj said the contribution of Dr. F. Gu. Halakatti to preserving Vachana literature remains unmatched. He praised Halakatti for collecting thousands of Vachanas from different homes and protecting them from being lost forever. He spoke during the Vachana Literature Preservation Day programme held at the District Collector’s Office Hall on Thursday.
The event was organised jointly by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Kannada and Culture Department, and the Municipal Council. Dr. Kantharaj paid floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. Halakatti before addressing the gathering. He said Vachana literature was created by ordinary people to fight social evils and promote equality, justice, and moral values.
He explained that the 12th-century Vachana writers opposed blind beliefs and encouraged women’s equality through their writings. Their powerful messages would have disappeared with time if Dr. Halakatti had not travelled from house to house collecting palm-leaf manuscripts. Because of his tireless efforts, the works of more than 250 Vachana writers have been preserved for future generations.
Dr. Kantharaj urged young people to respect all languages but give first importance to Kannada, their mother tongue. He said celebrating Dr. Halakatti’s birth anniversary as Vachana Literature Preservation Day was a meaningful way to honour his lifelong service and inspire future generations.
Kannada lecturer Dr. G. N. Yashodhara said people who serve society through good work are remembered forever. He noted that famous Vachana writers, including Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, and Akkamahadevi, continue to inspire people because Halakatti preserved their writings. He also said many people read Vachanas but often fail to follow their teachings in daily life, while Halakatti himself lived according to those values.
A poetry session organised by the District Kannada Sahitya Parishad highlighted Dr. Halakatti’s life and literary contribution. More than 14 poets presented poems during the programme. The participants received books and appreciation certificates. Cultural performances added colour to the celebration, making the event a meaningful tribute to Karnataka’s rich literary heritage.