Former Vice-Chancellor and litterateur Prof De Javaregowda observed a one-day fast demanding the Centre to accord classical status to Kannada language, here on Tuesday.

He began his protest at Vidyavardhaka Trust by offering floral tribute to the portrait of Mahatma Gandhiji at 6 am.
He broke his fast by having a tender coconut at 6 pm.

He said the Centre had shown a step-motherly attitude towards Kannada in awarding the classical tag.