Nityotsava famed poet K S Nisar Ahmed said that Kannada activists have been striving for the development of Kannada language and none should degrade them.
Ahmed and writer C P Krishnakumar were felicitated as part of Karnataka Rajyotsava by the Mysuru District Kannada Chalavaligarara Sangha at the Institution of Engineers here on Sunday. Ahmed said that it is true that many Kannada activists are not well aware about the language but they are working for the development of Kannada.
He said there are allegations that Kannada activists are extorting money from the people but it is far from the truth.
"I have visited the houses of Kannada activists in Bengaluru and their living conditions are bad. Kannada exists only because of a series of agitations. Today, we need agitations more than literature to protect Kannada," the poet lamented.
Writer Vasanth Malali said that Ahmed, who has contributed significantly for Kannada, should be either made an MLA or MLC in the days to come. Ahmed, who obtained honorary doctorate from three universities, needs political status to strengthen his pro-society thoughts, the writer added.
Karnataka State Government Employees' Association State unit president H K Ramu inaugurated the event. JD(S) leader A H Vishwanath, BJP District unit president M Shivanna, Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Y D Rajanna and others were present.
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