Caption: Jayant Kaikini lights the lamp to inaugurate the Children’s Sahitya Sammelana organised at Karnatak High School in Dharwad on Thursday. Sammelana president Shrinivas Wadappi and others are presentDharwad: Vachanas penned by the Sharanas preach creation of a compassionate and egalitarian society and they are more relevant now than ever, said noted writer Jayant Kaikini.Inaugurating the Children’s Literary Meet with the theme ‘ Sharana Sahitya’ organised by the KE Board’s Karnatak High School and Karnatak English Medium School here on Thursday, he said studying literature expands the horizon of knowledge and helps the people to make the life meaningful.He highlighted the importance of encouraging the children to read books and develop interest in literature and called upon the teachers to impress upon the children the need to read literature.“The children are getting addicted to electronic devises which in due course will damage the creative capacity of the children. Getting engaged in literary activities will make one see the life and nature through a wider spectrum and live a meaningful life” Jayant asserted.KE Board chairman Shrikant Patil and secretary DS Rajpurohit explained the initiative on the part of the KE Board’s institutions to enhance the creative capacity of the students in various fields.Sammelana president Shrinivas Wadappi said Vachanas by Sharanas since 12th century have been a guiding light for the society and they convey the messages of empathy and tolerance through simple language that could understood by the common man. He hailed the KE Board for organising the meet and encouraging the literary activities among the students.KE Board President Professor MN Joshi presided. Jayant Kaikini and Shrinivas Wadappi were felicitated on the occasion. KE Board treasurer NS Kulkarni, Vishwanath Deshpande, GR Bhat and Ashok Patil were present. Karnatak High School principal NN Savanur welcomed the gathering. Gururaj Jamkhandi introduced the guests. Suma Raikar propsed a vote of thanks. Shobhadevi, GC Kulkarni compered.Shankat Halagatti, Shashidhar Todkar, Veena Hugar presided over the literary sessions wherein the students presented papers.Nagaraj Dymanakoppa was the chief guest at the valedictory function graced by pontiff of Murugha Mutt Mallikarjun Swami.
