COMPLETED PROGRAM

Annual Commemoration of Manjeshwar Govinda Pai

The annual memorial day of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai was observed at Gilivindu. Students of Durga Dance Troupe sang a poem by Govinda Pai. The programme began with the lighting of the lamp and the offering of flower petals by trustee and scholar Dr. D. C. Chowta and other trustees. Guests and dignitaries also offered floral tributes at the poet’s statue. Students of Govinda Pai Memorial College, literature enthusiasts, writers, artists, and members of the Govinda Pai Memorial Trust participated in large numbers.

Dr. Shivashankar, Head of the Kannada Department, described Govinda Pai as a humanist poet and scholar, noting that his works embody patriotism, religious harmony, universal brotherhood, and compassion. Citing Pai’s Yesu–Krishna, he said the poet emphasised that while paths to God may differ, the essence of humanity is one. He also highlighted Pai’s poems celebrating the land, language, and nation.

Students Shreya, Pooja, Rashmitha, Anuprabha B. R., Manisha, K. Shivani, and Krishna Pranam presented reflections on Pai’s life and literary contributions.

Trust Secretary Dr. Uday Kumar Irvattur delivered the introductory note. Trust members D. C. Chouta, K. Tejomaya, Subhashchandra Kanvatirtha, poet K. Radhakrishna Uliyattadka, retired professors Dr. Rajalakshmi N. K. and Prof. U. Maheshwari, Dr. Kavya from the Central University, Konkani writer Dr. Venkatesh Nayak, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan Tottetodi, Tekkekere Shankar Narayan Bhat, Satish Adapa Sankabailu, A. R. Subbayya Katte, and Shivaram Kasaragodu were present. Artist Jagan Pawar Bekal offered floral respects.

The Trust also released the invitation for the inauguration of the 2025–26 literary and cultural programmes, with Yakshagana Thala Maddale scheduled for September 19.

Gilivindu venue on the annual commemoration day
Trustees and guests lighting the ceremonial lamp
Guests gathered around the ceremonial lamp
A guest lighting the ceremonial lamp
A guest taking part in the lamp-lighting ceremony
A guest lighting the lamp as trustees look on
A participant lighting the ceremonial lamp
A participant offering respects during the opening ceremony
Guests offering flowers at the statue of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai
A guest placing a garland on the statue of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai
Floral tributes at the statue of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai
A guest offering flower petals at the poet's statue
A floral garland being placed on the poet's statue
A guest offering flowers at the poet's statue
The flower-adorned statue of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai
Trustees, guests, and participants gathered beside the poet's statue
A speaker addressing the annual commemoration
A speaker addressing participants beside the poet's statue
A student speaking during the annual commemoration
Audience members attending the annual commemoration
Audience view of the annual commemoration programme
Guests and participants gathered at Gilivindu
Trust members standing beside the statue of Rashtrakavi Manjeshwar Govinda Pai
A participant receiving a book during the programme
A participant receiving a book beside the poet's statue
A student receiving a book during the commemoration
A family receiving a presentation during the programme
A presentation to participants at the annual commemoration
Students presenting during the annual commemoration