Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 8: The Udupi district level 19th edition of ‘Makkala Sahitya Sammelana’ and commemoration of 157th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was held on Saturday, February 8 at Kota Shivarama Karanth Sahithya Vedike at Smt Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government First Grade College, Barkur.
The event was held under the aegis of Shantivana Trust (R), Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Udupi District Education Department, Barkuronline.com, Shri Ramakrishna Ashram, Belguam and Mangaluru, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Barkur and Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Brahmavar-Barkur zone.
Dr Parvathi G Aithal, writer and retired English teacher Kundapur, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
In her inaugural address, Dr Parvathi said, “Children should develop study habits to improve their knowledge. Literature is permanent till the end of our life. It is needed to understand society. Children will always have good memory and grasping power. There is need to provide moral lessons with entertainment.
“Students do not want illusionary and abstract things. Let us teach them in simple and understandable ways. There are many dimensions of Sahitya and Makkala Sahithya is one among them. It was started 1980s to explore their interest in art, literature and skills. Let parents encourage freedom of expression in children.
”Today, youth are focusing on money making and job oriented courses. World is turning towards mechanization in every field. Today, education system is exam and merit oriented, not providing enough scope to literature and knowledge. Earning is a part of life and it is needed too but money alone is not important in life. It is disappointing that parents and teachers are encouraging job oriented courses. Let’s focus on providing knowledge of art, literature and personality development. Let children spare some time for reading literature,” she said.
Varsha, president of the Sammelana and a ninth standard student of Government High School, Brahmavara, presided over the programme. Addressing the gathering she said, “In modern era, morality is decaying. Children are not getting values of life. The word ‘kannadiga’ has remained as a word of mouth. Students should read more about literature, books. There is lack in Kannada literature, but one should have interest.”
“Teachers have to give one hour to students to read literature books in school time in order to encourage reading habits in children. Teachers should conduct literature supported activities. Students should try to read value based books.”
P Archibald Furtado, columnist and writer said, “Today’s children are spending their time on mobiles. This age is precious to learn new things. Let’s develop interest in literature. To become a good writer, one needs to study hard. To write one page, one is supposed to read 100 pages. Hence, be studious and involve more in literature,” he added.
Madhukar S, district physical education officer, PED and B Sudhakar Rao, retired headmaster Barkur, were honoured on the occasion for their service.
A child artist from Barkur, Aaron Mathew Pais was honoured on the occasion. He is son of Sapna and Stroiney Pais, Barkur and bagged the prestigious Best Child Actor award from the Government of Karnataka recently for his movie Ramana Savari adjudged as the second best movie.
Aaron Pais, made his debut into Kannada film industry with the movie ‘Ramana Savari’. Produced by Sudha Creations, this movie is directed by K Shivarudraiah.
The organisers honoured the students who have achieved in different fields namely Sharat E Poojary (Gold medal in International power lifting competition), Shashank (Nation level Power lifting– Inter College University), Bhagya (medalist in Yogasana), Thrupty R Poojary (Sports), Vidyashri (sports) and Madhuri (national level sports athlete).
Dr Parvathi released ‘Chethana Chiguru’, write-ups of students of Chethana High School Hangarakatte and children’s poetry compilations were released by Narendra Gangolli.
Ashok Bhat Chanthar, president, Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Brahmavar, Bhujanga Shetty, physical education officer, Brahmavar zone, Narendra S Gangolli, emerging writer and lecturer, Saraswathi Vidyalaya PU College, Gangolli and Vasanthraj Shetty, lecturer, SRSM, National Government First Grade College, Barkur, were present.
Maithri Shetty welcomed the gathering and Thanvi proposed vote of thanks.
Praksha Acharya, Reena and Sucharitha compered the programme.