Pics: Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 10: The first Brahmavar taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishad Sammelana 2019 was inaugurated at Bunts Bhavan, Brahmavar on Wednesday, January 9.
Presiding over the programme, Harady Chandrashekhar Kedlaya said, “Through my music, I have tried my best to propagate Kannada. This is one language which is filled with feelings and emotions that highlight our rich heritage. Let us unite for saving such a beautiful culture. Kannada has helped me shape my life. We are fortunate to be born in Kannada land. I have an interest towards literature. I learnt singing by seeing other singers. My voice is a gift of God. Kannada has power of blooming flowers in our heart,” he said.
“It is disappointing that people and government have neglected Kannada and many students are misled. No one should forget their mother tongue,” Kedlaya stressed.
“We are not saying that we do not need English. But we also do not need glorified education system. Mother tongue will touch the hearts of many. This aspect lacks in English language. Let us take the Kannada flag sky high by promoting Kannada everywhere,” he said.
Inaugurating the Sammelana, past president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat Harikrishna Punaroor said, “The government is not showing much interest in protecting government Kannada medium schools. It does know the difference of government and aided schools. The other states are promoting their mother tongue. If we want to promote and save Kannada language, it does not mean that people have to start hating English language. Today, English become necessary for the employment.
“There is need to understanding the reality of why Kannada medium schools are closing down. But in spite of thinking this way, the government has started converting Kannada medium schools to English medium schools. Let it start compulsory teaching of English language in Kannada school. The government is sanctioning permission to opening English medium school. Now it is English everywhere. In Kasargod, people protested to protect Kannada medium school, but the government is not bothered. Save Kannada has remained only in speech, it is not being implemented anywhere.
“People of other states must learn their regional language before promoting their state’s language. Today reading habit has reduced due to many switching to the online medium. But it does not affect printing of books. It is increasing. At least teach your children to write and read in Kannada properly. First love your mother tongue wherever you go,” Harikrishna Punaroor said.
Neelavar Surendra Adiga, president, Kannada Sahitya Parishat Udupi said, “We need both Kannada and English language. No one is opposing English but let it be used as a language for communication. Do not comply fully on English. Let us appoint a good English teacher in schools. Let us nationalise education.
Sheela K Shetty, vice president, zilla panchayat inaugurated the book exhibition section as well as addressed the gathering.
The president of the Taluk Sammelana Chandrashekhar Kedlaya organised a traditional procession from Sri Mahalingeshwar Temple Brahmavar, which went around the city.
Thimmappa Hegde, president, credit cooperative society Brahmavar, Chandrashekar, assistant director, Kannada and Culture department, Anand Kumar, education officer, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president, taluk panchayat, Ashok Bhat, president, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Brahmavar Hobli unit, Naveenchandra Nayak, president, Varamballi gram panchayat, Pundalika Marate, president, Kaup KSP unit, Arur Thimmappa Shetty, Mohan Udupa, honorary secretary of KSP taluk, and others were present.
Suralu Narayana Madi extended the welcome and Manohar rendered the vote of thanks.