Mysuru is buzzing with anticipation for its annual Dasara poets’ conference, scheduled to captivate audiences from September 23 to 27. This five-day literary festival will culminate in a truly special event: a grand, simultaneous rendition of Karnataka’s State anthem, ‘Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate,’ performed by thousands of talented students and esteemed musicians.
This remarkable mass performance of the ‘Naada Geethe’ (State anthem) is slated for the conference’s opening day, promising to be a highlight of the celebrations. Organizers reveal that this year holds particular significance as it marks the anthem’s centenary. M.K. Savitha, Registrar of the University of Mysore, announced to reporters on Saturday that a staggering number of students and renowned musicians will unite their voices to present the anthem at the Open Air Auditorium on the Manasagangotri campus during the inaugural ceremony.
During the poster release for the Dasara poetry conference, which is a collaborative effort between the Dasara Kavighoshti sub-committee and the University of Mysore, Ms. Savitha emphasized that this grand event serves as a heartfelt tribute to the revered poet laureate Kuvempu.
She further detailed that an impressive assembly of 15,000 to 20,000 students from numerous colleges, alongside 100 acclaimed music ensembles and celebrated vocalists, will collectively perform the ‘Naada Geethe’ in honor of Kuvempu.
Lolakshi, secretary of the Dasara Kavighoshti sub-committee, confirmed that this year’s enriching conclave will span five days, taking place at the B.M. Sri Hall, located within the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies in Manasagangotri. The inauguration is set for September 23, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expected to grace the occasion.
Each day of the conference will explore a unique theme. Professor Aravinda Malagatti will inaugurate the first day’s proceedings, promising a heartfelt blend of poetic expressions from child poets, seasoned veterans, and emerging talents representing Mysuru, Hassan, Mandya, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar districts.
September 24 will see lyricist Jogi Prem inaugurating the day’s events. This particular session will offer a crucial platform for delving into the concept of ‘Kannada Identity,’ providing an opportunity for poets from marginalized communities—including orphans, individuals with disabilities, gender minorities, and civic workers—to eloquently share their unique life experiences.
Pramod Maravante will inaugurate the events on September 25, featuring a delightful and humorous duel of short verses as the main attraction. The penultimate day, September 26, will be inaugurated by renowned folklorist Nanjayya Honganuru, with artists captivating the audience by performing vibrant folk songs. Expect the auditorium to come alive with the harmonious sounds of traditional instruments like kamsales, tamburas, and flutes.
The grand finale on September 27 will witness poets from all 31 districts showcasing their talent through captivating verses. This concluding session will be inaugurated by the esteemed writer and litterateur C.P. Krishna Kumar. Deputy Special Officer G. Somashekar and other members of the Dasara poetry sub-committee were also in attendance for the initial announcements.