Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (CLP)
Mangalore, Oct 19: The two-day programme in memory of Sant Bhadragiri Achutha Das was inaugurated by Pattadhikari of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Dr D Veerendra Heggade at T V Raman Pai Convention Centre on Saturday October 18 in the city.
Basti Vaman Shenoy, president, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Mangalore, gave a floral welcome to the guest.
Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino, Dr P Dayananda Pai, chairman, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, and Dr Prabhakar Joshi, well-known Yakshagana scholar, along with other guests on the dais inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and offering homage to the portrait of Sant Bhadragiri Achutha Das.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Heggade said, “He travelled throughout his life spreading the message of love and the secrets of life. When I was invited to this programme, I humbly accepted as I have great respect for him. He travelled and preached Harikatha during a time when there were no means of communication. He had great memory power and never spoke harsh words in all his life. He was a man of humour. The best way to remember him is by buying his music album collections and making him immortal.”
Castelino said, “I congratulate Vishwa Konkani Kendra for this meaningful programme in memory of Sant Bhadragiri Achutha Das, and this gives spirit to our lives. Konkani people are hard-working people, found all around the world. Konkani is the only language accepted by three religions as mother tongue. There are many books written and displayed outside of the hall, but how many read these books? We need to increase love for our mother tongue and pass it to the next generation.”
Bhadragiri Sarvothama Dasgi was felicitated and honoured for his contribution to Harikatha.
Jagadish Shenoy, treasurer, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Pradeep G Pai, secretary, Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship Fund, Venkatesh N Baliga, secretary, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, and Jayarama Pai, trustee, Venkatramana Temple, Mangalore, were present on the occasion.
Shakuntala R Kini compered the programme.