Renowned litterateur Nadoja Ham.Pa. Nagarajaiah, who will inaugurate the prestigious Mysuru Dasara Mahotsav, was felicitated by His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji during his visit to Suttur Math. Also seen in the picture are Arathi Hampana, Rajashri Hampana, Kalaburagi MLA Sri Basavaraj Mattimooda, and M. Chandrashekar.
October 2, 2024, Suttur: Renowned litterateur and scholar, Nadoja Ham.Pa. Nagarajaiah, fondly known as Hampana, expressed his deep gratitude after receiving the blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Math ahead of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara Mahotsav.
During his visit to Sri Sutturkshetra, Hampana said, “It is my honor to have the blessings of the Suttur Seer before the inauguration of the Mysuru Dasara. This grand event represents the heritage and culture of our land, and this year, I have been invited to inaugurate the Mahotsav on behalf of all Kannadigas and the world of Kannada literature. Our traditions are rooted in the poems of Jain saints, the vachanas of Sharanas, and the songs of Kanakadasa and Purandaradasa. I consider this function a personal ‘Anubhavamantapa’ experience. Suttur Math is unparalleled in its contribution to social service, nurturing, and preserving the legacy of vachanas that address the entire universe. It is indeed a blessing for me to receive the Suttur Seer’s grace before the inauguration of such a prestigious event.”
In his response, His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji praised Hampana’s contribution to Kannada literature. “Nadoja Ham.Pa. Nagarajaiah has made a significant and special contribution to the Kannada literary world. The Mysuru Dasara celebrations are not just famous by name; they truly are world-renowned. Mysuru is synonymous with Dasara, a festival that embodies the spirit of Bharat. This year’s event holds even greater significance as Hampana will inaugurate it,” he remarked.
The event also featured remarks from Sri Basavaraj Matimoodu, MLA of Kalaburagi Rural Constituency; Sri Y.D. Rajanna, immediate former President of Kannada Sahitya Parishath; G.C. Bhat; M.G.R. Arasu; Latha Sudarshan; and Hampana’s daughters, Arathi Hampana and Rajashri Hampana.
Prominent litterateurs including K.C. Shivappa, Dr. Rajashekar, Prof. Neelagiri Talawar, Prof. Morabada Mallikarjuna, Vikram Urs, Dr. Latha Rajashekar, and officials of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, along with devotees and citizens, also attended the event.
Sri Chandrashekar M., former President of Kannada Sahitya Parishath, welcomed the gathering and offered the vote of thanks.