Vachana Preservation Day observed across Kalyana Karnataka in honour of Fa.Gu. Halakatti

The Hindu

02-07-2025

The 146th birth anniversary of Fa.Gu. Halakatti, pioneering scholar of vachana literature, was observed as 'Vachana Preservation Day' across Kalyana Karnataka on Wednesday. The celebrations honoured his legacy in preserving and publishing vachana literature, which played a vital role in shaping Karnataka's spiritual and literary heritage.
In Kalaburagi, a district-level function was held at the Suvarna Saba Bhavan under the joint aegis of the district administration, the Kannada and Culture Department, the Kalaburagi city corporation, and the zilla panchayat.
The programme was inaugurated with floral tributes to Halakatti by Sharanu Pappa, president of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries, who hailed his work in reviving and preserving vachanas. He urged the present generation to draw inspiration from such visionaries, who worked selflessly to safeguard Karnataka's cultural roots.
Delivering a special lecture, Basava Patil Jawali, principal of Madana Hipparaga Government First Grade College, emphasised how Halakatti's life embodied a deep commitment to cultural preservation. He highlighted that the scholar gave up a conventional career to dedicate himself to searching, compiling, and publishing vachanas. His efforts illuminated the lives and teachings of over 250 vachanakaras, he said.
R.C. Phale, retired Dy. SP, recounted Halakatti's educational journey from Dharwad to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he earned his law degree. Despite his legal background, Halakatti chose to live a simple life while dedicating himself to social upliftment.
Other speakers, including Ravindra Shahabadi of Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Shivasharanappa Danni, assistant director of Social Security and Pensions, praised Halakatti's foresight and grassroots work. A cultural procession featuring traditional music and social thinkers was also held from Jagat Circle to the event venue.
In Koppal, Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal inaugurated the celebration at Sahitya Bhavan, describing Halakatti as a true torchbearer of vachana literary tradition. He noted that Halakatti's role in collecting scattered vachanas helped preserve the essence of the 12th-century sharana movement, led by Basavanna and other reformers.
'The ideals enshrined in the Constitution were already expressed by Basavanna and other sharanas in the 12th century. Everyone should strive to embody their values,' he said.
Historian Ashok Basappa Baragundi delivered a keynote address, calling Halakatti the 'grandfather of vachana literature' and describing his journey from a lawyer to a cultural reformer.
At a special ceremony held at Fa. Gu. Halakatti Circle, dignitaries paid floral tributes and participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony in honour of the scholar.
In Ballari, K.E. Chidanandappa, president of the District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority, inaugurated the event at the Cultural Complex on Dr. Rajkumar Road. He highlighted how Halakatti's work rescued the voices of the sharanas from historical obscurity.
Scholar A. Timmana Gowda, in his special lecture, said that Halakatti's contributions went beyond literature—extending into education, cooperative movements, and printing technology.
'Before Halakatti's efforts, only 50 vachanakaras were known; his work revealed over 250,' he said.
The Ballari event also featured a vachana music performance by Doddayya V. Kallur and team, and was attended by senior officials.