In the twelfth century, a socio-religious revolution took place, led by devotees who fostered divine faith and commitment to action, enlightening the community about the values of life. Dr. S. Vidhyashankar is one such luminary who has become renowned in the world of scholarship through profound study, research, contemplation, and teaching of the literature of those devotees.
Born on 18-11-1942 to Shri Shivashankarappa and Smt. Vishalakshamma in Madhuvanahalli, Kollegal Taluk, Chamrajnagar District, Dr. Vidhyashankar earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees sequentially from Mysore and Karnataka Universities. With a Ph.D. for his essay titled “Veera Shaiva Puranas – A Study,” he served in various capacities such as lecturer, professor, and director at the Kannada Study Center of Bangalore University for about 36 years, enriching countless disciples with his reservoir of knowledge, earning him the title of an esteemed guru.
His extensive experience in the field of education has marked him as one of the greatest literary figures and researchers. Alongside teaching, his contribution to literature, especially to Vachana literature, is unparalleled. His critical editions of numerous significant works such as “Halageya Deva’s Shunya Sampadane,” “Prabhu Linga Leela,” and “The Complete Works of Raghavanka” have been highly acclaimed. His editorial contributions to important works like “Nambiayanna – A Study,” “Pravasodaya,” and “Travel Literature in Kannada,” “Mother Teresa,” and others are equally notable.
Acknowledged with literary awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award, Kavyananda Award, the Three Thousand Matha Award, the Shivaratrisvara Award, and the Basava Award, Dr. S. Vidhyashankar’s brilliance, erudition, and experiences have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Even after retirement, he continues to engage actively in literature and research, having co-founded the monthly magazine “Svapnaloka” and serving as its editor. His dedication to the field of Sharana literature has been recognized with the “Ramanashree Sharana” award in 2010 by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation, adding another feather to his illustrious cap.
Dr. Sangamesh Handigi Vijayapura, praised by the eminent poet Sri Vali Gangappa as a connoisseur of literary aesthetics, an expert in expression, and adept in delivering heart-touching speeches, has been continuously engaged in the cultivation of literature with his remarkable creative abilities, a fact known to all.
Dr. Sangamesh Handigi was born on the 6th of May, 1938, in Telagi, Basavana Bagewadi taluk, Vijayapura district. His father, Sri Malleshappa, and mother, Smt. Neelagangamma, were his parents. He earned his Doctorate degree from Karnataka University in Public Administration, and also obtained an M.A. in Kannada from the same university. He received his doctoral degree for his monumental dissertation titled “Shri J.C.N. Vachana Sahitya – Ondu Adhyayana.” He has served in various positions, notably as the head of the Kannada department at Shri Shankar College, Nivali Gandada, for 25 years. After retirement, he served as a visiting professor at Hampi Kannada University, guiding Ph.D. students.
Dr. Sangamesh Handigi has authored more than 36 publications, including Vachana literature, poetry, critical essays, biographies, research, and philosophical contemplations. Some of his modern Vachana works include “Nidumamidi,” “Sharanaanubhava,” “Vachanastavana,” and “Vachana Mayura.” He has also served as an honorary contributor to several leading newspapers and was the founding editor of the “Mamidi” magazine. Apart from being an excellent orator, he is also an efficient organizer. He has organized numerous poetry gatherings and conferences, contributing significantly to the literary community.
In addition to reciting self-composed Vachanas at various Vachana gatherings, Dr. Sangamesh Handigi has also presented essays. He chaired the first All India Kannada Vachana Literature Conference in New Delhi in 2006, the first World Kannada Vachana Literature and Cultural Conference in Mumbai in 2008, and the first Halakatti Vachana Festival in Chikkamagaluru in 2009, among others.
Acknowledging his invaluable service to Vachana literature and contemporary Vachana composition, Dr. Sangamesh Handigi was honored with the Ramanashree Award in 2010 by the All India Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Foundation.
The cultural wealth of human life is music. One such master of music, especially in Hindustani and Vachana music, is Ustad Humayun M. Harlapur. Born on 2-3-1963 to Shri Maulasab and Smt. Husenbi in Harlapur, Kundagol taluk, Dharwad district, he showed immense interest in music from childhood. After completing his PUC, he began his musical journey under the guidance of Pandit Panchakshari Gavayi, a renowned musicologist. Later, he continued his training under Pandit Fakirish Kanavi and Pandit Shivaraj Gavayi in Gulbarga.
Ustad Humayun, with his talent and dedication, earned the titles of ‘Vidwat’ and ‘Sangeet Visharad’ from Madhya Pradesh. Since 1988, he has been serving as a teacher at the Shri Panchakshari Sangita Vidyalaya in Shivamogga. He has also worked as an artist for All India Radio, Doordarshan, and graded artist. His numerous concerts across Karnataka and other states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa have earned him immense popularity.
Recognized with awards such as ‘Sangeeta Chatura’, ‘Gayana Samrat’, ‘Sangeeta Kalabhushana’, ‘Pandit Puttaraj Kripabhushana’, he has been honored with titles like ‘Bhavaikya Ganakogile’ by Taranga Magazine.
Presently serving as the director of Shri Gurukriva Gana Mandira in Shivamogga, Ustad Humayun is a beacon of hope for the younger generation. His humility, integrity, and social connections complement his musical accomplishments. His dedication to Vachana music has earned him the prestigious ‘Ramanashree Sharan’ award from the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashree Pratishthan in 2010.
Ustad Humayun’s contribution and ongoing service to Vachana music are recognized and honored by the entire literary and cultural community of India.
The institution that propagates the philosophical messages of Basava, emphasizing “compassion is the essence of religion,” to every household is the “Basavatatva Prachara Kendra” and the “Sampshodhana Grantha Bhandara.” This center is the fruition of Dr. R. Shivanna’s dream. Established on March 1, 2006, it has been tirelessly run by Dr. Shivanna, serving as its founder, chairman, publisher, and chief editor, undertaking commendable initiatives.
Dr. R. Shivanna, formerly the Deputy Librarian at Bangalore University Library, upon retirement, embarked on a dedicated mission to provide authentic and essential information related to the tradition, literature, and simple life philosophy of Sharana. His endeavors include publishing official and necessary information, presenting the simple and comprehensive life histories of Sharana, making significant works easily accessible to readers, translating them into English and Hindi, and honoring notable figures in the field of Vachana and literature with the ‘Basavajyoti’ award annually. Additionally, they have published a detailed Kannada-English glossary to facilitate comprehension.
Having published about 168 books in Kannada under the title “Shri Samanya Malike,” they have translated 18 books from Kannada to English and 15 books from Kannada to Hindi. They have also compiled a “Grantha Suchi” (Index of Books) with contributions from authors and book titles related to Vachana literature in two volumes. They have published a fundamental volume containing brief introductions to 101 prominent Sharana figures in Kannada and English.
Dr. Shivanna’s treasure trove of over 7000 books related to Sharana culture serves as a sanctuary for researchers, providing encouragement, assistance, and facilities for Ph.D. studies. His establishment of this crucial center within a short period and at personal expense is truly commendable and has earned the admiration of many scholars.
In recognition of his efforts to spread the light of Sharana culture far and wide, the “Basavatatva Prachara Kendra” and the “Sampshodhana Grantha Bhandara” were honored with the “Ramanashree Sharana” award by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and the Ramanashree Pratishtana in 2010.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
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