Media Release

Bengaluru, Nov 5: Alliance University, Bengaluru, celebrated the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava with great pride, passion, and cultural vibrancy. The event was jointly organized by the Kannada Language Centre, department of language and literature, Kannada association, and the student support services department, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a week-long celebration of Karnataka’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

The celebrations began on October 27, with a series of competitions including traditional costume display, extempore speaking, essay writing, poetry composition, dance, singing, rangoli, quiz, and a Kannada conversation contest for non-Kannada speakers. These events aimed to encourage participation and promote Kannada among both native and non-native speakers within the university community.

The flag-hoisting ceremony, held on November 3, at the Al Fresco auditorium, marked the highlight of the celebrations. Shaila G Chebbi, founding member of Alliance University, unfurled the Kannada flag and offered floral tribute to Kannadambe (Mother Kannada), followed by the rendition of the Naadageethe. The ceremony also included the National Unity Awareness Pledge, in line with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) guidelines.

The main event was graced by Dr L Hanumantaiah, renowned writer, former Rajya Sabha Member, and former chairman of the Kannada development authority, as the chief guest. In his address, Dr Hanumantaiah emphasized the importance of one’s mother tongue in expressing emotions and thoughts authentically. He urged everyone to use Kannada more extensively in daily life and to encourage non-Kannadigas to learn and engage with the language to ensure its continued growth and preservation.

Dr B S Reddy, senior law professor, highlighted the need for developing Kannada legal dictionaries to facilitate wider use of the language in legal and administrative fields. The event was also attended by Dr Prakash I N, University librarian, along with faculty heads, teaching, and non-teaching staff members.

The cultural segment witnessed an enthralling Yakshagana performance by the Yaksha Sambhrama Art Troupe and energetic Dollu Kunita and Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance) by Dollu Chandru and team, showcasing the harmony of classical and folk-art forms of Karnataka.

Dr Vivekananda Sajjan, assistant professor of Kannada, delivered the introductory address, tracing the historical significance of Kannada Rajyotsava and the evolution of Kannada literature. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Kasturi Nayak, and students Moulya and Yashas served as the event emcees.

The celebration culminated with the prize distribution ceremony, honoring students and staff who excelled in the week-long competitions. The day-long event was a vibrant display of Karnataka’s artistic, linguistic, and cultural essence, leaving the audience inspired with a renewed sense of Kannada pride.