Former Vice Chancellor Prof D Javare Gowda (Dejagow) observed a fast here on Saturday, demanding that Kannada language be given classical status without any further delay.

Prof Dejagow began his fast at 6 am, after garlanding the bust of Kuvempu at the premises of Kuvempu Trust in Vijaya Nagar.

Speaking to reporters, Dejagow said that seers in Karnataka should join in the demand seeking classical status to Kannada. Only Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekaran and M Shivanna, MP from Chamarajanagar, have aired their demand. The protest concluded at 6 pm.

Writers Dr C P Krishnakumar, Dr Akbar Ali, Dr Pradhana Gurudatt, Kannada activists M B Vishwanth, Dr M G R Urs and others took part in the fast.