Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 3: Noted scholar, Prof Hampa Nagarajaiah (Hampana), said that Jain litterateurs have, from time to time, embraced the language of the land they lived in, and always made coordinated efforts to provide new dimensions to the literature in the local language. He analyzed that because of their endeavours to gel with the local culture and language, both Jainism and Jain literature have remained sublime.

He was speaking after presiding over a three-day state level symposium on ‘Jainism, Literature and Culture’ that went under way at the old senate hall of Mangalore University at Mangala Gangotri near here on Tuesday November 2. The symposium is being held under the aegis of Kannada Study Centre of the university and Shrut Samvardhan Samsthan, Meerut.

“We always need to have affection towards Kannada. At the same time, we should remain responsive and receptive to changes, without being averse to them. The language should be open for all and available to everyone. This alone can ensure that newness and changes can be brought in the present literature. About 70 percent of words we use are in fact, Sanskrit words. As these words have become one with Kannada, it is impossible now to distinguish or separate them from our language. Likewise, many English words have become part of our language. We should accept these facts,” he said.

He opined that the contributions of Jain poets like Pampa, Ranna, Janna and Ponna towards enriching Kannada literature and giving a new dimension to it, can never be overlooked.

Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji of Moodbidri Jain Mutt, who was present at the symposium, said that Jainism has always held values like non-violence and other values high. “Jainism has gained popularity and fame because of its strict policy of non-violence. Jain poets have contributed largely for the progress of Kannada and Telugu literature,” he opined.

University vice chancellor, Prof T C Shivashankara Murty, who inaugurated the programme, recalled the invaluable contributions made by Jain poets to Kannada literature. He hailed Jainism as a religion that is firmly seated on the principle of non-violence, not being aggressive, and not looking down upon anyone. He however, expressed his concern at the fact that the religion has of late, not retained the following it did in the past.

University registrar, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, head of Kannada Study Centre, Prof Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda, and several others were present.