Mangalore, January 25: The principles and teachings of Ambigara Chowdaiah, a social reformer of the 12th century, are still relevant and apt to the present globalized and modern world said noted Kannada writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa.
He was speaking after inaugurating a chair of 'Ambigara Chowdaiah' at Old Senate Hall, Mangalore University here on Wednesday January 25. He said everybody should practice and inculcate his principles in life.
He said that Chowdaiah was a reformer who fought against the ill-practices of the society such as casteism, untouchability etc eight centuries ago.
Mr Ramachandrappa said that the sharpness in Chowdaiah 'Vachana' indicated his confidence. “He represented working class of 12th century”, he said.
Criticising the present education system, Mr Ramachandrappa said that students are told to 'sail the boat which is anchored.' He stressed on social education for the present generation.
He also lauded the University's effort to set up a chair on Chowdaiah. He said, “Having chairs on Nehru, Buddha, Ambedkar and now on Chowdaiah, Mangalore University has exhibited the values of secularism, justice, while fulfilling the necessity of the present generation.”
In his presidential address, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof. T.C. Shivashankara Murthy said that the new Chair aimed at making people know about works of Ambigara Chowdaiah. It would also find the status of fishermen in the region and conduct various research studies, he said.
Ambigara Chowdaiah was a saint who belonged to the Ambiga (Ferryman) community. He was a follower of Basavanna. He is very close to the people of fishermen community.
Comments
Add new comment