Mangaluru : Noted writer and lyricist Jayanth Kaikini Inaugurated the Kanaka Keerthana programme of Mangalore University’s Kanaka Research Centre here on Saturday, January 3.

Speaking after inauguration Mr. Kaikini said Kanaka Dasa’s poems had the capacity to make people think in a rightful way by dissuading them from negative thoughts and feelings.

He said that, works of reformer Kanaka Dasa and writers such as Da.Ra. Bendre, Shivaram Karanth and Yashwant Chittal guide people in leading life. This education is necessary after a person goes through initial schooling.

Expressing his anguish over the increased number of sexual assaults and also the shooting of children in Pakistan, Mr. Kaikini said works of Kanaka Dasa, Bendre, and Karanth will dissuade people from committing such ghastly acts.

Taking a jibe at the social networking-oriented youth who were less oriented to reading, Mr. Kaikini said these youngsters knew only about three books — “Facebook”, “Chequebook” and “Passbook”. Budding actors were keen on building “six packs” and “eight packs” than gaining ground in art, culture and literature of the region.

Registrar of Mangalore University P.S. Yedapadittaya presided over the function.

Earlier vocalist Uttam Kumar Kodailbail, an artist from Akashvani, presented soulful Kanaka keertana.

Meena S Kajampady, in-charge Principal of University College, Prof. B Shivaram Shetty, Convenor of Kanakadasa Research Centre and others were present.