By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The strains of ‘Naada Geethe’ reverberated across the Manasagangtori campus, as thousands of students, artists, and professional singers rendered it in unison to mark the centenary of the State Anthem on Tuesday.
The mass rendering was a tribute to poet laureate Kuvempu, who composed it in his early 20s and was associated with the University of Mysore as a student, lecturer, and Vice-Chancellor.
The event also marked the inauguration of the poets’ conclave (Kavigoshti), a highlight of Mysuru Dasara, which is under way being hosted by the university.
The mass rendering of the ‘Naada Geethe’ was held at the open air auditorium, turning it into both a celebration of Kannada identity and a homage to one of its greatest literary voices.
Inaugurating the poets’ conference and the mass rendering of the ‘Naada Geethe’, writer Aravind Malagatti said that the State government should conceive of a slew of events to mark the centenary of the State Anthem. He also mooted the idea of inviting international poets and conducting a conference to mark the landmark occasion. He described ‘Naada Geethe’ as a jewel in the crown of Karnataka and stated that its rendering has become a tradition celebrating the beauty and glory of the State.
Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi said that Mysuru Dasara was the pride of the State with a historical legacy spanning centuries. It is befitting that the centenary of ‘Naada Geethe’ is also being celebrated as part of Dasara poets’ conference, he stated.
Registrar M.K. Savitha, addressing the gathering, said that the University of Mysore had always accorded importance to culture, literature, music, and theatre, alongside academic pursuits. The fact that Kuvempu was associated with the university has also enhanced its prestige and the mass rendering was conceived to pay tribute to the poet, she added.
Kuvempu, she recalled, was the first Kannada writer to be honoured with the Jnanpith Award, further adding to the prestige of the university, which conceived of a tribute to Kuvempu by hosting the Dasara Kavigoshti or the Kavi Sammelana.
The centenary event drew participants from all walks of life, including students, faculty, professional singers, and cultural troupes, all of joined the mass rendering of the State Anthem.
