‘Values of Vachana literature must form basis of Constitution’

MYSURU: Ideals, virtues and values extolled by Sharana poets and reformers of the state must form the core of the country’s Constitution, said former chairman of the Kannada Sahitya Akademi and writer Prof Aravind Malagatti here on Monday.
Malagatti, who participated in the ‘Matte Kalyana’ programme at Kalamandira, said that the notion of ‘Kalyana’ that was born in Karnataka in the 12th century must serve as the model for laws to govern the country. “Kalyana refers to a life free of superstitions. It is a system that does not frown on marriage between individuals of different faith; it aims at instilling self-respect in all individuals. These concepts must form the basis for our Constitution. This dream of the 12th century reformers can be realised in the 21st century,” said the writer.
Scholar OL Nagabhushanswamy said that the objective of the programme was to disseminate the tenets of the vachanas to the public.
Meanwhile, former Rangayana director and theatre artiste Janardhan said that vachana literature could alert everyone to the voice of their conscience.