Bantwal: Speakers at Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan Stress Need for Empowering Kannada
News and Pics by Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network—Bantwal (RD/CN)
Bantwal, Mar 23: “Attempts are being made by a few litterateurs of this era, to restrict Kannada literature to the lighter mode and entertaining roles thereby committing the gross mistake of not bringing to strict discipline of its origin. Owing to Universities directly or indirectly encouraging such literatures, its future has been threatened to a great extent”, said eminent Kannada litterateur Padekal Narasimha Bhat.
Bhat was delivering the presidential address at the 13th Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, held on Sunday March 22 at Sri Brahmashree Narayana Guru Auditorium, Ganadapadpu, B C Road, near here.
He said that compiling texts, translation, and presentation of classics, is increasing even though they don’t come under its purview while story and poetry are often pursued as only literature that promotes Kannada.
Bhat lamented that though the number of graduates is steadily increasing, it’s not easy to get a proofreader in Kannada.
“Literary works should have a background of reality and be totally new, advocate a few litterateurs”, said Bhat emphasizing that new literature can be developed based on a few aspects of old literature in order to give a fresh perspective.
He also said that the Kannada Sahitya Sammelan should not become a mere festive occasion but should focus on various facets of literature and serious discussions on the prevailing literary situation.
Meanwhile Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punaroor urged the state government to appoint a Kannada teacher in every government school across the state, if it has genuine concern for the growth of Kannada.
“The light attitude of the state government towards Kannada is reflected in the neglect of Kannada medium schools”, said Punaroor emphasizing that over the years, the government schools witnessed a steady decrease in its student strength.
He alleged that English medium schools functioning with government approval in the neighbourhood are hindering the growth of Kannada.
“Dakshina Kannada (DK) district gets the credit for organizing the maximum number of Kannada Sahitya Sammelans in the entire state”, said Punaroor and hoped that such gatherings should ring the bell for the survival of Kannada among its natives.
Local MLA Ramanath Rai after releasing the Sammelan bulletin said that the awareness of this kind will rejuvenate the Kannada language.
Former chairman of the Sammelan Dr Vaman Nandavar and Jeppu St Joseph’s Seminary professor Fr Nelson D’Almeida were the chief guests on the occasion.
Litterateur and entrepreneur Haji Abdul Khader hoisted the national flag.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura delivered the introductory address.
Eminent litterateur Yerya Laxminarayan Alva inaugurated the book exhibition. Welcome committee president K Sesappa Kotian was also present on the dais.
Harikrishna Bantwal welcomed the gathering. Journalist Raja Bantwal proposed vote of thanks. Lecturer Girish Bhat compered the programme.
Earlier, Kannada Bhuvaneshwari procession was held from taluk office, B C Road to the venue before inaugural.