Mangaluru: The Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Gili Vindu of the SVP Institute of Kannada Studies, Mangalore University, and Art Kanara Trust, organised a special lecture in memory of Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai on Monday at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh. The programme coincided with the birth anniversary of the noted poet, scholar and playwright.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, Gili Vindu, 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.Introducing the theme, programme moderator Prof P Krishnamoorthy, former 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.”The lecture was delivered by Prof B Shivarama Shetty, former professor of the SVP Institute of Kannada Studies, Mangalore University, and founder of Gili Vindu. 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.”The talk was followed by an interactive session focusing on Govinda Pai’s early life, literary style, and contributions, as well as the need to introduce more of his works in school curricula. The discussion was led by Fr William D’Silva, senior researcher and lecturer; Satya Narayana Mallipattana, retired principal; Rajaram Tolpadi, retired professor; and artist and filmmaker Madhusudan Kumar.
