Mysuru/Mandya: Congress MLC Thimmaiah on Wednesday called upon people to adopt vachanas propagated by 12th century Vachanakara Ambigara Chowdaiah in their daily life.He was speaking after inaugurating Ambigara Chowdaiah Jayanti celebrations organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, department of Kannada and culture at Kalamandir in the city. Remembering the 12th century social reformer Basavanna, he said he tried to bring about an equal society.Delivering a special lecture on the occasion, L Bhavani said that Ambigara Chowdaiah was born in the village of Shivapura, located on the banks of the River Cauvery. Ambigara Chowdaiah focused on spreading awareness among people to shun blind beliefs and superstition. District Gangamatha president Vasanthamma was present.In Mandya, additional deputy commissioner BC Shivanandamurthy launched the Jayanti celebrations. He said society must move away from superstition and the caste system towards humanity. He emphasised that eliminating superstition, ignorance, communalism, and social divisions was essential for building a humane and progressive society. He said that 12th century Shiva Sharana Ambigara Chowdaiah, through his powerful vachanas, launched a relentless struggle against social evils and inequality. He noted that Chowdaiah authored 247 vachanas, which strongly advocated the rejection of caste discrimination and blind beliefs.A ferryman by profession, Chowdaiah was a profound philosopher, mystic, and reformer, distinguished by his bold and humane thought.Retired professor SB Shankaregowda explained that “Ambigara Chowdaiah” was both the poet’s name and ankita (pen name), derived from his occupation, and highlighted his role in correcting evils.
