Dr. S. R. Gunjal, who was born in 1932 in Kolvada village, Haveri district, Karnataka, is a proficient writer in various genres of literature. He has authored over 314 books and is renowned among senior literary figures. Despite facing significant challenges in his childhood, he pursued education with determination, initially at the Shiva Yogishwara Prasad Nilaya in Haveri. Later, he sought refuge at Murugha Math in Dharwad, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, eventually becoming a teacher.
Subsequently, he obtained a postgraduate degree in Library Science from Delhi University and served as a librarian at various institutions, including Karnatak College in Dharwad and Gulbarga University. His leadership significantly contributed to the comprehensive development of these institutions.
Dr. S. R. Gunjal has authored numerous research articles, and his expertise lies in compiling bibliographies and indexes. He is acclaimed for his works such as “Basavana Vachana Padaprayoga Kosha,” which is a seminal work in Kannada literature. His monumental effort in producing this extensive work over twelve years earned him the Karnataka State Literary Academy Award and the Devraj Bahadur Award.
Additionally, Dr. Gunjal has written several biographies and received accolades such as the “Seva Ratna,” “Literary Honor Award,” and “Sharan Siri.” His contributions extend beyond literature, as he established a trust in his mother’s name in Kumbargeri village, Haveri, and founded a Kannada primary school.
After retirement, Dr. Gunjal served as the director of the Lingayat Research Center Library at Rudrakshi Math in Naganuru. His profound insights into Lingayatism led to the publication of “Uttangi Channappanavara Utthunga Vicharagalu,” shedding light on the philosophy. His life and works have been the subject of a comprehensive essay titled “Dr. S. R. Gunjalara Jeevana Sadhane,” which earned him a Ph.D. degree.
Dr. Gunjal’s invaluable service to the field of Sharana literature was recognized by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat, which awarded him the “Ramanashree Sharana” in 2011, adding another feather to his illustrious career.
Born in 1975 as the son of revered Sri Gurumurtayya and Srimati Shivalingamma, Sri Prabhu Channabasava Swamiji embraced spiritual initiation in his childhood. After studying Sanskrit, music, and literature at the Shivayogi Mandir in Badami taluk, he pursued advanced studies at the Shivarathri Guru Kula from 1991 to 1999. Achieving a master’s degree in Sanskrit and Kannada, he later assumed the prestigious position of Niranjana Pattadhikari at the Sri Motagi Math in Athani in 2003, dedicating himself to social service.
Sri Prabhu Channabasava Swamiji has emerged as a prominent contemporary Vachana poet. His collection “Athaniish” comprises Vachanas, which have been incorporated into the curriculum of Karnataka University since 2002. His Vachanas touch upon various subjects, including nation, people, society, deities, and temples. Through his verses, he aims to provide solace in times of social turmoil, earning acclaim for his contributions to literature.
With a keen interest in spreading the values of Sharana culture, Sri Prabhu Channabasava Swamiji actively engages in public awareness campaigns and foot marches annually. Recognizing his literary contributions, he was honored with the “Ramanashree Sharana” award by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat in 2011, with support from the Ramanashree Pratishthan Foundation.
Pandit Dr. Kumaradasa is a prominent name in the realm of Hindustani classical music. Born in the small village of Elabenchi, Ballari district, in 1954, he faced poverty in his childhood. However, the people of his village recognized his talent at a young age and supported him financially, providing encouragement. With the support of the villagers, he sought refuge in the ashram of Veereshwara Punyashrama in Gadag and was hailed as a musical prodigy.
Under the guidance of Dr. Puttaraj Gawai, he became a disciple for 12 years, excelling in music. He achieved high proficiency in both the Karnataka government’s ‘Vidwat’ examination and the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya’s ‘Visharad’ examination.
At the 500th anniversary celebration of Siddalingeshwara in Gadag, he received the prestigious title and blessings of Dr. Puttaraj Gawai, marking him as fortunate.
Pandit Kumaradasa is renowned for singing Hindustani classical music, the compositions of saints, and the verses of poets, all with his rich melodious voice. He has been associated with All India Radio’s ‘A’ grade category as a performer. Over the past 20 years, he has been serving in All India Radio, providing musical services and enriching the listeners’ experience through various television programs. He has been honored by numerous organizations across the country.
Pandit Kumaradasa has popularized the Vachana and Dasa compositions through his singing. He has also earned accolades in the field of classical music, serving as an inspiration to many. His deep and melodious voice, coupled with his dedication to music, is revered by enthusiasts. He has been a source of pride for Karnataka’s cultural heritage. He has participated in numerous music festivals and has been a judge for many competitions, contributing to the promotion of music.
Recognized as a talented vocalist, Pandit Kumaradasa is admired for his demeanor and expressions, both on and off the stage. He is considered not just a devotee of art but also a responsible member of society, aspiring for greater heights in the field of musical art.
Pandit Kumaradasa’s contribution to Vachana music has been acknowledged by conferring the ‘Ramanashri Sharan’ award by the Akhila Bharata Sharana Sahitya Parishat and Ramanashri Pratishthana in 2011, in appreciation of his dedicated service.
“Service rendered to others is the highest form of service dedicated to the divine,” bearing witness to the words of Swami Vivekananda, Sri J.S. Jayadev, a cultured individual finding joy in altruistic endeavors, is the embodiment of service without noise or clamor; akin to a silent blooming flower.
In sorrow, their hearts resonate with the cries of the destitute, and to alleviate the darkness of their lives, they established the ‘Deenabandhu Trust’. In 1992, in Chamarajanagar, an orphanage and shelter for homeless children was founded. From its inception with six children, the home now shelters 44 children. From the age of three to sixteen, these children are cared for diligently. The trust’s aim is to impart education and life skills until the 10th grade, nurturing them in a conducive environment and instilling societal values, making them contributors to society. The trust’s role in nurturing these children to become pillars of society is truly commendable.
“Empowering India’s womenfolk is indispensable for its progress,” echoing the definitive stance of Swami Vivekananda, and this is indeed the stance of Deenabandhu. Bringing together women from various villages, training them in agriculture and economic necessities has been undertaken. Through self-help methods, budget management, and banking transactions, skills have been imparted. The agricultural program includes organic farming, vermicompost production, and environmental awareness. Health and sanitation programs include the construction of toilets. The ‘Progress’ program offers employment opportunities to women through specific initiatives.
Recognizing that service gives meaning to life, dedicating themselves to the principles of sacrifice and service, Sri J.S. Jayadev is the lifeblood of ‘Deenabandhu’, the cornerstone. Their service to Deenabandhu resonates with the belief that work is worship, and with selflessness, they serve. Their dedication to the cause of Deenabandhu aligns perfectly with the organization’s ethos.
Striving tirelessly for the holistic development of children and women, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, language, or any other differences, ‘Deenabandhu’ is an epitome of service, aligned with the ideals of the ‘Ramanashree Sarana’ literary organization. Honored with the 2011 ‘Ramanashree Sarana’ award, ‘Deenabandhu’ eagerly looks forward to a brighter future, in collaboration with the entire Indian literary community.
Check out the moments captured from the award ceremony through pictures.
Copyright © 2024 Ramanashree Awards . All Rights Reserved. Crafted by Pixelsbrew