Mangalore: District Sahitya Sammelan Concludes with Call for Conserving Kannada
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 18: “We should take up the cudgels to conserve Kannada language, culture and literature at any cost. Our first aim should be to save our language. Only if the language is saved, then literature and culture also can be saved,” opined Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Sri Ramachandrapur Mutt, Hosanagar.
Delivering the benedictory address at the annual Dakshina Kannada district Sahitya Sammelan here on Wednesday March 17, the Swamiji expressed serious concern about the threat the very survival of Kannada language, culture and self esteem of Kannadigas are facing. “We have no other option but to work unitedly to save them,” he stressed.
He gave the example of the sandalwood tree, which does not lose its fragrance even when it is burnt or ground. Likewise, the neem tree does not lose its bitterness even when jaggery and honey are fed to it. “The nature displays this uniqueness. Hence, we should not give away our inherent qualities. We are facing the risk of losing our identities because of a mad urge to import everything from foreign countries, like cows, seeds, clothes etc. Let us have respect for the guests, but never allow the guests to drive us away from our homes,” he urged.
The Swamiji honoured Sammelan president, Padekallu Narasimha Bhat, by draping a shawl around him.
During the three days of the Sammelan, various seminars, debates, and sessions were conducted from morning to evening, while cultural programmes were presented at night. Various personalities, who have offered distinguished services to various fields, were felicitated on the last day of the Sammelan.
Some of the resolutions passed by the Sammelan were, separating Mangalore region from Palghat railway division and bringing it under the administration of north east railway division, dropping of Netravati River Diversion Plan, introduction of Kannada language as a subject with examination in English medium schools.