SDM College Honors Kuvempu’s Legacy on Vishwa Manava Day
Ujire, Dec. 30, 2024 – Renowned filmmaker and director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar emphasized the need for contemporary social media trends to adopt a cultural and literary orientation to balance its current trajectory.
Speaking at the Vishwa Manava Day celebration, organized by the Kannada Department of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) College and the Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratishthana, Chandrashekhar presented a keynote address on the literary and ideological contributions of Kuvempu. The event marked the 120th birth anniversary of the legendary writer and thinker and was held in the college’s Indraprastha auditorium.
“Communication patterns in this modern era have undergone significant changes. Social media platforms have turned into extensions of consumer culture, often treating viewers as mere products. Content tailored to lure and retain users has become pervasive. At such a time, it is imperative to imbue these platforms with cultural and literary strength,” he remarked.
Chandrashekhar underscored the importance of fostering individuals who appreciate literature and culture rather than merely consuming and becoming dependent on content. He further urged for social media to evolve into a medium that supports cultural refinement.
Highlighting Kuvempu’s timeless contributions, Chandrashekhar said, “The nation, including mass media, must deeply understand the profound legacy of Kuvempu. We must move away from rejecting the past indiscriminately and instead derive and project the intrinsic values of tradition. With the overwhelming influence of social media, there is a pressing need to transform these platforms into cultural avenues that propagate literature.”
He also expressed concerns about how the visual content dominating social media stifles human imagination and called upon youth to rediscover the habit of reading books. “Youth must immerse themselves in continuous reading and reflective thinking. Kuvempu’s works are infused with the power to transform human perspectives and worldviews. His epic Sri Ramayana Darshanam and other literary masterpieces continue to inspire generations of writers,” he added.
Dr. B.A. Kumar Hegde, Principal of SDM College, presided over the event and encouraged students to read Kuvempu’s works and align with his philosophies. He noted, “Kuvempu’s writings reflect an intimate bond with nature, inspiring students to develop a deeper connection with the environment.”
The event featured melodious renditions of Kuvempu’s songs by Nada Maninalkuru and a creative presentation of Nagi Kathan Kavya Roopaka by the SDM Kala Kendra team under the direction of Yashavanth Beltangadi.
The Head of the Kannada Department, Dr. Bojamma K.N., delivered the welcome address. The program was graced by Matrushree Hemavathi V. Heggade, President of the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project’s Jnanavikasa Program, and Sonia Yashovarma. Dr. Rajasekhara Halemane offered a vote of thanks.
