Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)
Shivamogga, Nov 3: Most of the Kannadigas show their love for their mother tongue only on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava. But an ardent fan of Kannada here does not limit his affection for it but continues to serve the language day in and day out. This man from Shivamogga has been really working hard to carry Kannada and culture to the next generation. His commitment is highly appreciable.
The man we are referring to operates a shop engaged in ironing of clothes. He is well-known to the people of the city. He runs his ironing shop named 'Kannada Kasturi Istri Angadi' in front of the government bus stand in the city. His name is Narasimha Murthy.
Murthy's affection for the language is unique. It surprises others. Along with carrying on his work, he has been spreading the need to love Kannada to everyone. He has been running this shop for the last 26 years. His small shop is full of photos of people who have won Jnanpith awards. People of the city know him with the name, 'Kannada Murthy' because of his love for his mother tongue.
Hiremagaluru Kannan had visited his shop once. Considering his service to Kannada, he gave him the title, 'Kannada Murthy'. Immediately on opening the shop in the morning, Murthy offers puja to the picture of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. He keeps Kannada books in his shop and encourages people to read them. He celebrates Kannada Rajyotsava, Republic Day, Independence Day etc in his shop without fail and shares his joy with others. Whenever any writers, artists, and those who have served Kannada visit the city, Murthy makes it a point to meet them and bow before them.
Murthy also celebrates birthdays of Kannada achievers by sharing sweets to customers and people running shops nearby. He also takes classes introducing famous poets of Kannada who have enriched the field of Kannada literature. His shop is full of photos of stalwarts of the state. The locals are not tired of appreciating him for the extent of love he has for Kannada.
Murthy is poor. But he says we have to see Kannada everywhere and love it. Because of this ideal, he stands out as a unique person.