Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Sep 1: MLA A Kiran Kumar Kodgi of the Kundapur Assembly constituency emphasized that the Kannada language and literature occupy a unique position. He stated that it is not enough to mandate Kannada signboards alone; it is also crucial for the government to provide grants for literary conventions to promote the language's development. He stressed the importance of taking a scholarly approach to literature without rushing to critique it.
He was speaking at the 19th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana ‘Tarkani,’ organized by the Kundapur Taluk unit of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, held at the KPS Auditorium in Bidkal Katte, on the Molahalli Shivarao stage.
Prof Balakrishna Shetty Molahalli, a retired principal who presided over the event, noted in his address that just as integration was important during the freedom struggle, there is confusion regarding language today. While learning English is necessary, one must not forget their mother tongue. It is impossible to live forgetting one's mother tongue, he said, highlighting that 1,800 Kannada schools have closed, while over 3,000 English medium schools have opened. He urged that this should be taken seriously.
Prof Shetty further emphasized that to preserve our language and culture, a transformation must happen within our households. If there is a Kannada-speaking environment at home, children will naturally breathe it in. However, when parents communicate in English, the child tends to forget the mother tongue and may struggle to learn any language properly. He pointed out that parents and teachers, by neglecting the importance of the mother tongue, push their children to a stage where they lack achievement. He also suggested that if Kannada schools are modernized, students will be attracted to them, citing several examples. To ensure Kannada's survival, he proposed that children should receive education in their mother tongue at least up to the 7th standard.
He further elaborated that literature has the power to unite people, as evidenced by this literary congregation. Literature is a festival that brings people together, he said, lamenting the current state of transformation and change affecting social and economic conditions, which has also altered culture. The impact has extended to language, heritage, and arts, leading to a loss of human connections. The frequent blockades caused by railway gates and toll booths, he said, challenge our very existence.
He also highlighted the distinctiveness of the Kannada language spoken in Kundapur, which remains in its original form without the influence of other languages, especially in the heart of Kundapur. This version of Kannada thrives in rural areas, weekly markets, and agricultural activities.
The literary landscape in Kundapur is rich, with over 20 publications originating from the region. The area has produced notable writers, poets, and authors who have significantly contributed to Kannada literature. Kundapur's contributions to the film industry are also noteworthy, and its culture, folklore, and art have further enriched the Kannada language.
He expressed disappointment that the contributions of Yakshagana playwrights have not been specifically acknowledged. Although classical Kannada literature includes references to mythological backgrounds, musical knowledge, and theatre concepts, the contributions of Yakshagana playwrights have been overlooked. Dr Shivaram Karanth, in his work on Yakshagana Bayalata, mentions a play by Vishnu Varamballi written around 1500. Ancient playwrights like Devidas (15th-16th century), who wrote "Devi Mahatme," Sasthan Venkat, Hattiyangadi Ramabhatta, and Ajaapura Subba have also made significant contributions to Kannada literature.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat Udupi District president Neelavara Surendra Adiga delivered the welcome address. US Shenoy read the speech of the previous convention president, Koni Shivananda Karanth. On this occasion, senior doctor and Kannada book publisher Dr Bhaskar Acharya released the books "Sudhanshu" by Ashwini Kulal KMC Manipal and "Hommelaku" by Pradeep Kumar Basroor.
The event was attended by chief guests including Purnima, assistant director of Kannada and culture department; Kundapur Tahsildar Shobhalakshmi; president of the Sammelana reception committee M Mahesh Hegde; president of the Sammelana financial committee B Arun Kumar Hegde; Sammelana secretary Raghavendra Adiga; principal of KPS Bidkal Katte Vighneshwar Bhat; president of Molahalli Gram Panchayat M Chandrashekhar Shetty; president of Hardalli Mandalli Gram Panchayat Deepa Shetty; president of Hombadi-Mandadi Gram Panchayat Jayanti; Udupi District honorary secretary of Kannada Sahitya Parishat Subrahmanya Shetty; Narendra Kumar Kota; Honorary Treasurer Manohar P; Brahmavar Unit President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat Gundmi Ramachandra Aithal; Kaup Unit president Pundalik Marathe; Udupi unit president Raviraj HP; Karkala unit president Prabhakar Shetty Kondalli; Hebri Unit President Srinivas Bhandari; and Byndoor Unit president Dr Raghu Naik.
During the event, high schools that achieved 100% marks in SSLC through Kannada medium were recognized, and outstanding students were felicitated. The list was read by KPS Bidkal Katte teacher Satish Shettigar.
Students of KPS Bidkal Katte sang the "Nada Geethe" and "Raitageethe" under the direction of singer Dr Ganesh Gangolli. President of the Kundapur Taluk unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Dr Umesh Puthran, delivered the welcome address. M Mahesh Hegde delivered a speech on "The Voice of the Land." Taluk unit treasurer Manjunath KS proposed the vote of thanks, and secretary Dinkar R Shetty managed the program.
Before the formal event, the national flag was hoisted by M Chandrashekhar Shetty, president of Molahalli gram panchayat, and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat flag was hoisted by Dr Umesh Puthran, president of the Kundapur unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat. The convention president was received with honor in front of the Mukhamantapa of Kolanakallu Sri Mahaganapati Temple. Entrepreneur Dinesh Hegde Molahalli flagged off the procession, followed by a grand parade of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. The procession featured various cultural elements such as Kambala, Kolipade, Yakshagana, Bhajans, and other traditional performances reflecting the culture of the Kundapur region.