Fr. Madtha releases Stephen Quadros’ translation of vachanas

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 15: Fr. Prashanth Madtha SJ, ex principal of St. Aloysius College and writer, released Stephen Quadros Permude’s Konkani translation of 190 vachanas, published by Konkani Prachar Sanchalan, at a book release programme held at Sandesha. Roy Castelino presided over the programme.

Vachanas are one of the richest genres of Kannada literature, popular during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in UK and created by Veera Shaiva saints such as Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi, Basaveshwara, and Siddaramaiah in a bid to reform society. The period saw over 230 writers of vachanas, 30 of who were women. More than 20,000 vachanas have been published so far.

While Eric Ozerio delivered the welcome address, Vitori Karkal proposed the vote of thanks.