Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D’Souza on Wednesday said that the message on life values conveyed through the Keertanas by Kanakadasa are relevant all the time. He was speaking after inaugurating the Kanaka Jayanthi celebrations organised by the district administration here.

Mr. D’Souza said that the government has established the Kanaka Peetha in Mangalore University for research on Kanakadasa so that his life and achievements would continue to guide society.

The MLC said that the Kurubara Sangha has demanded construction of a Kanaka Bhavan in Mangaluru. The government would either build a bhavan or name an existing building after Kanakadasa, he said. Besides, a prominent road in the city would be named after the saint-poet, he added.

Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthil said that practices of all religions and messages from social reformers were complementary to building a healthy society.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer R. Selvamani, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kumara, Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Karavali Kurubara Sangha president K.R. Prakash, district Halumatha Mahasabha president Rangappa and others were present.