INTACH organises special lecture on Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a special lecture in memory of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwara Govinda Pai on Monday.

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a special lecture in memory of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwara Govinda Pai on Monday.

The programme organised at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh in coordination with Gilivindu of the S. V. Parameshwara Bhatta Institute of Kannada Studies, Mangalore University and Art Kanara Trust coincided with the birth anniversary of the noted poet, scholar and playwright.

A profile picture of Rashtrakavi Late Manjeshwara Govinda Pai | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Manjeshwar Govinda Pai (1883–1963), recognised as Kannada’s first “Rashtrakavi” (1949), was a noted poet, scholar, and playwright. His celebrated works include Vaishakhi, Golgotha, Gilivindu and Nandadeepa. A polyglot with proficiency in about 22 languages, his scholarship and literary contributions continue to hold enduring relevance in the cultural and intellectual landscape of Karnataka, said a release.

Introducing the theme, programme moderator P. Krishnamoorthy, retired principal of Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal, said, “This region has produced many distinguished literary figures, yet we tend to forget their contributions. Such gatherings to remember celebrated personalities like Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai help keep their legacy alive.”

B. Shivarama Shetty, former Professor of the SVP Institute of Kannada Studies, Mangalore University and founder of Gili Vindu (R) delivered the lecture. Speaking on the breadth of Govinda Pai’s work, he said, “Govinda Pai was a multilingual scholar, deeply engaged with the realities around him. He wrote on themes of religion, harmony, pluralism and peace. His works reflect on the lives and final moments of figures such as Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and even Mahatma Gandhi. In today’s conflict-ridden world, his ideas remain profoundly relevant.”