Mangalore : Prof T C Shivashankar Murthy, vice chancellor of Mangalore University inaugurated the 2-day seminar on Ullala Rani Abakka titled “Abbakka Sankathana” jointly organized as part of the Abbakka Utsava by the Ullala Veera Rani Abbakka Utsav Samithi and the Kannada and Culture Department Ravindra Kalabhavan of University College on March 12.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that there matters on the life and achievement of Rani Abbakka to be revealed, hence the series of seminar and the book to be released will depict the contribution to the present generations.
Rani Abbakka is the first freedom fighter of Dakshina Kannada who fought for 45 years and controlled the Portuguese. Abbakka and her achievement is famous in Arab and Spain country. She is not only a freedom fighter but also social worker, he said.
In coastal region, there are many other national leaders and further the seminars on these great personalities must also be held and the Mangalore University is ready to establish a regional study centre and keep it as the study centre.
MLA U. T. Khader, the honorary president of the samithi delivered the introductory speech and said that the samithi is organizing this seminar in order to prepare a comprehensive documentary on the life and achievements of the queen.
Dr. Mukunda Prabhu, the historian, will preside over the event and said that the Abbakka Hall and theatre must be established and Abbakka Utsav must be celebrated yearly in the same hall, he said.
Chief guests Dr. K. N. Vijaya Prakash, the commissioner of Mangalore City Corporation (MCC), Abbakka was one who brought respect to Tulunad’s culture. This is the first time state government is sponsoring for the Abbakka Utsav.
Chief guests Dr. Gayathri Navada, the syndicate member of Hampi University, said that Abbakka is remembered since the history for her self respect and achievements and it must be revitalized.
She also said that the statue of Abbakka has been portrayed in the masculine style, who shown sitting and the horse and holding sword. The development made on Abbakka achievement msut be established in Ullal since it is her birth place which is known for communal harmony.
Delivering the key note address, Prof. A. V. Navada said that Rani Abbakka is the symbol of self respect. The theme park worth Rs 1 crore is being constructed in Hampi, hence further the memorial of Abbakka must be established at Someshwar, he said.
Bhasker Rai Kukkuvalli compered the programme, K. Jayaram Shetty welcomed the guests and gathering. Hyder Parthippady proposed vote of thanks.
Dr. Udaya Barkoor, Dr. Meenakshi, Dr. Mohana Krishna, Prof. A. V. Navada, Prof. Thukaram Poojary, Dr. Shaila, Ganapaiah Bhat, Dr. Kamalaksha, Dr. Lokesh, and others will present papers at the seminar.