The Indian Heritage Academy, Koramangala, presents a commemorative programme in memory of Dr. S. K. Karim Khan — fondly known as Janapada Jangama — celebrating his life and contribution to Kannada folk culture. The evening unfolds in an alternating format: segments of talk led by Dr. H. C. Boralingaiah are interspersed with musical interludes of folk songs performed by Dr. Appagere Thimmaraju and ensemble, moving back and forth between the two through the programme. Members of Dr. Karim Khan's family will be present.
Dr. S. K. Karim Khan (1912–2006) was a distinguished folklorist, freedom fighter, writer and theatre personality from Sakaleshpur, Hassan district. Though formally educated only up to the eighth standard, he went on to master Kannada, Sanskrit, Urdu and Hindi literature under scholar Achangi Narayana Shastri. He took part in India's freedom struggle, was imprisoned several times, and later contributed to the Karnataka unification movement. Travelling on foot across villages, he collected hundreds of folk songs, later serving as Chairman of the Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy. His writings promoted communal harmony, earning him the titles Janapada Jangama and Kannada Santa.
His literary works include Neehara, Neevara, Matrushapa, and plays such as Nirdoshi and Humayun. As a lyricist for Kannada cinema, he wrote over 250 film songs, winning the National Award for Best Lyrics for Swarnagowri, along with the Nadoja Award, Janapadashri Award, and an Honorary Doctorate. He passed away on 29 July 2006.
The Talk Segments
Dr. H. C. Boralingaiah, folklorist, researcher and former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, will speak on "Janapada Jangama: A Confluence of Folk Traditions and Faiths," woven through the evening between musical breaks. Author of over twenty-two books on tribal life and folk culture, his honours include the Janapada Expert Award, Aryabhata Award, and Shivaram Karanth Award.
The Music Segments
Janapadashri Dr. Appagere Thimmaraju, celebrated folk singer and researcher, will perform "Janapada Sobagu" in interludes across the programme — a curated set of folk songs, including several composed by Dr. Karim Khan. Known for classics like Thingalu Mulugidavo and Chellidaru Malligeya, he holds a D.Litt. for his research on Tattvapadas and received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2015.
