Governor T N Chaturvedi on Tuesday said the Kannada language with a rich cultural and heritage background should be accorded a ‘Classical Language’ status.
Speaking after being felicitated jointly by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Kannada Paksha, Kannada Ranadheera Pade, Karnataka Janata Sena Dala and the Karnataka Navodaya  at a glittering ceremony at the Banquet Hall in Raj Bhavan, the Governor said, “Though senior Kannada litterateur’s have urged the Centre to accord this status, it has not been forthcoming”.
Mr Chaturvedi added that only if Kannada literature is read would one understand its historic value. “Vachanas and literature of Pampa, Kuvempu and Bendre will be better understood if their works are translated into English and other languages at a reasonable cost. Only then will the entire world be aware about Kannada,” Mr Chaturvedi pointed out.
Prof Chandrashekhar Patil, President of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat said the Governor has protected the interests of the people of the State. “So the Governor richly deserves this recognition,” he stated.
Sri Shivarudra Swamiji of Beli Math said, “Chaturvedi will always be remembered as an elder brother of Kannadigas”
Later the Governor flagged off the Suvarna Karnataka Chaitanya Ratha, as part of the Jagruthi Yatre that will traverse across the State.