Gadag
The 82nd commemoration of Panchakshari Gawai and the 16th remembrance of Pt. Puttaraja Gawai were observed with devotion at Veereshwara Punyashram in Gadag. The festival honoured both gurus for their lifelong service to the blind, orphaned, and poor, who were given shelter and dignity through music and education.
Tondarya Matha seer J. Siddarama Mahaswamy said both saints are like wish-fulfilling trees for Veereshwara Punyashram. He said society will always remember their selfless service and warned that nothing should be done to hurt the sanctity of the ashram, which follows a secular and service-oriented tradition.
He recalled that great saint Hanagal Kumaraswamy identified Panchakshari Gawai’s musical talent and guided him towards greatness. He said Puttaraja Gawai lived a life of discipline and spiritual practice and became a symbol of hope for the blind and helpless.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the sacred land of Gadag is filled with devotion and is beyond ordinary music traditions. He said both saints achieved what even those with sight could not, and their spiritual service turned them into guiding lights for society.
He assured that both the state and central governments would extend support for completing memorial works dedicated to the Gawai gurus. Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai also spoke and highlighted the declining human values in modern society.
Bommai said the saints spread messages of kindness and humanity throughout their lives. He said Puttaraja Gawai’s contribution in sheltering thousands of blind and helpless children through music will remain immortal in history.
He also mentioned pending memorial hall works and said earlier Rs. 5 crore had been sanctioned. He assured efforts at both state and central levels to complete the project and provide all necessary support for its completion.
On the occasion, several religious leaders, political representatives, and cultural personalities attended the programme. Awards were presented to achievers in music and discourse, including the Padma Bhushan Pt. Puttaraja Award and Kumarashree Award to distinguished artists.
Students of Panchakshari Gawai Music College offered prayers and a musical programme was held. Organisers said the festival continues to uphold the legacy of the gurus by promoting music, service, and spiritual values among younger generations.