Date:03/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/03/stories/2008080354260500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rare insights into Rajarathnam’s life

Special Correspondent

. — Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

FOND memories: Poet G.S. Shivarudrappa and lexicographer G. Venkatasubaiah at G.P. Rajaratnam’s birth centenary celebrations in Bangalore on Saturday

BANGALORE: A seminar on Kannada poet G.P. Rajarathnam held here on Saturday as part of his birth centenary celebrations provided some rare insights into his life.

Rashtrakavi G.S. Shivarudrappa, a student and close associate of Rajarathnam, recalled his long association with the late poet who authored Rathnana Padagalu and Nagana Padagalu as well as children’s poems such as Nayi Mari Nayi Mari, Bannadha Thagadina Thuthoori and Ondhu-Yeardu.

Recollecting his student days at the Intermediate College in Tumkur during 1943-44, Dr. Shivarudrappa said that his teacher Rajarathnam used to wear a “khadi” vest and a dhoti. The Government took objection to Rajarathnam’s attire and served him a notice through the Superintendent, instructing him to cover himself fully while coming to the college. Subsequently, Rajarathnam started coming to the college wearing a long gown. Indeed, it was his way of protest against the notice,” Dr. Shivarudrappa said.

After finishing his education, Rajarathnam was on the lookout for a job. He learnt that a temporary job of a “sorter” was vacant in the Census Department and he approached writer Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, who was the then Commissioner of the department.

“Masti dissuaded Rajarathnam from taking up the job that would have fetched him Rs. 25 a month. Instead, Masti offered to pay him Rs. 25 every month and encouraged him to take up writing. This enabled Rajarathnam to bring out one of his celebrated works China Deshadha Bouddha Yatrikaru,” Dr. Shivarudrappa said.

Rajarathnam, who learnt Pali and Prakrit languages, wrote not only on Buddhism and Jainism, but also on Islam. “His works are indeed a confluence of all religions,” Dr. Shivarudrappa said.

G. Venkatasubbaiah, lexicographer, said that Rajarathnam had a great liking for food. “He used to order for two masala dosas at once whenever he went to a restaurant.” Dr. Shivarudrappa and Dr. Venkatasubbaiah /listed the contributions of Rajarathanam towards creating Kannada consciousness.