Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Feb 3: The 18th edition of Udupi district level ‘Makkala Sahitya Sammelana’ was inaugurated by eminent writer and author Babu Shiva Poojary Barkur at Smt Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government First Grade College, Barkur here on Saturday, February 2.

The event organised as part of the 156th birthday celebration of Swami Vivekananda, was held under the aegis of Shantivana Trust (R), Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala, Udupi District Education Department, barkuronline.com, Sri Ram Krishna Ashram, Belgaum and Mangaluru, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Barkur and Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Brahmavar. 

In his inaugural address Babu Shiva Poojary spoke on how Swami Vivekananda upheld the Hindu religion at world level. “He showed the entire world that Hindu dharma is alive. He propagated the values of Hindu religion to people of other religions. He proclaimed the Sanatan religion as a Hindu dharma,” he said.

“Kannada language has a 2000 year old history. It took a long time to formulate Kannada as a language and it happened during the time of Pampa. After British rule in India, many languages were influenced and started declining. There were 1,652 languages in India. But many languages are disappearing like the Koraga community’s regional language, Pagari of Panara language. There are 176 regional languages. The condition of Kannada is deteriorating. The 1800 schools are getting ready to close its doors,” he said.

“Protection of Kannada schools is in the hands of future generation. There is need to think about this issue seriously. Around 8 crore of the population consists of Kannadigas. If a little part of this population has promoted Kannada, it will be sustained. If Kannada is devastated, the culture and etiquette (decency) of land will be collapsed. Let’s promote Kannada language,” he said.

Sweekrathi Shetty, 8th standard student of Shubhadha English Medium School Byndoor, in her presidential address said Kannada language has received 8 Jananapeetha awards.

“Our language should be regarded with high esteem. Language is taught to the child by its mother. Stories of the grandmother and songs were used by village people. This type of Sahitya Sammelana’s should try to cultivate interest among the students about literature,” she said.

“Today we are in a position to buy and read books. Our elders are like temples of knowledge. We children should make use of these opportunities. There is literature of children written by children themselves and there is literature written for children. Those who are shouting in the name of Kannada are admitting their children to English medium schools. In present world, English learning is must but we shouldn’t neglect our mother tongue Kannada. CBSE and ICSE schools also should give importance for learning Kannada. Questions on Kannada language, literature must be made compulsory in science entrance exams” she said. 

Ashok Bhat Chanthar, president, Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Brahmavar said, “let’s develop interest towards literature and read daily news papers, novels. It will enhance our vocabulary and knowledge.” 

Madhukar S, district physical education officer said, “This is a best platform to showcase talent. Today’s children are losing interest in reading books. Do not give mobile phones to your children. Love your children and help them make use of opportunities,” he advised. 

Eric L Soans, Konkani writer said, “Unless one reads, one cannot write anything. We have to read first. Future generation is supposed to continue Kannada literature. Let us come over mobile addiction. Reading habit will make our heads high.” 

Children’s poetry compilations were released by Ashok Bhat Chantaru. Sweekrathi Shetty, president of the Makkala Sammelana was conferred with Ananth Adiga Memorial Bala Puraskara. 

The guests, Nagesh Shyanbagh, retired BEO, Brahmavar zone, B Sitaram Tolpadittaya, secretary Shanthivana Trust (R) Dr I Shashikanth Jain, yoga instructor, Shrinivas Shettigar were honoured on the occasion for their service. 

The organisers honoured the students Prasanna, sports person, (winner of State level Javelin and shot-put competition), Vignesh (first prize in State level long jump competition) and Ashwan (second prize in district level speech competition). 

Two children’s sessions were held. First session was on ‘study of literature and values of life’, delivered by Sannidhi T Rai and the second session was on ‘Teenage and culture of book’, delivered by Rajendhra Bhat K. 

Akshatha welcomed the gathering and Rashmitha proposed vote of thanks. 

Vandya R Bhat and Janardhan S Udupa compered the programme.