It is important to do more intensive research on the works of the 16th century saint-composer Kanakadasa, said writer Mahabaleshwara Rao on Monday.
He was speaking after inaugurating a week-long Sri Kanakadasa Kirtana and Classical Music Appreciation Camp organised by the Kanaka Adhyayana Peetha, Manipal University, and Sarigama Bharati Music School.
Dr. Rao said that multiple chairs on Kanakadasa often conduct research on the same aspects. It would be better if these chairs reach an understanding and research on separate aspects of the saint-composer’s life, works and achievements, he said, as this would avoid duplication of work.
Kanakadasa had a close relation with Udupi and this too needs to be studied, he said. And the very fact that the “Kanakanakindi” existed shows that caste system existed in society during those times, he said.
He also opined that youth today have a lot of distractions and it is necessary to attract them to Indian classical music. Kankadasa’s compositions are simple and could be understood even by the layman, he said.
Dr. Rao said it is essential that classical singers presenting compositions of saints such as Kanakadasa should give importance to proper usage of words during rendition.
H.N. Udayshankar, director of Sarigama Bharathi Music School, welcomed the gathering. A. Ishwarayya, writer and music critic, presided over the inaugural function.
