Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti releases a book on 'Nargund Babasaheb' authored by Manoj Patil at KVS in Dharwad.
DH Photo
Deputy leader of Opposition in Assembly and Hubballi-Dharwad west MLA Aravind Bellad has proposed the construction of grand museums across Karnataka modeled after Akshardham to preserve and promote the state’s rich heritage.
He noted this while speaking at the release of the book, Naragund Babasaheb authored by journalist Manoj Patil at the Karnatak Vidyavardhakh Sangha in Dharwad.
He suggested the establishment of a museum on the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi, one on Basavadi Sharanas in Kudalasangama, a museum on the Krishna-Kanakadasa devotional legacy in Udupi, a museum on North Karnataka’s history in Dharwad or Belagavi and a comprehensive museum on Karnataka’s heritage in Mysuru.
He urged the state government to allocate at least Rs 1,000 crore for each of these museums. “This initiative will help preserve vital historical symbols for future generations,” Bellad stated.
He said many people lack both respect and understanding of history. “We often accept distorted narratives as real history. We must foster curiosity and interest in our true historical heritage,” he said.
He lauded Manoj Patil for carrying out the kind of in-depth work typically expected from university professors. “Research is being given less importance today. There should be a critical review of what contributions Karnatak University has made to the state through its research. Although each district now has a university, the scope of KUD has shrunk. At the same time, the demand for guest lecturers is increasing. Professors who draw huge salaries must focus on effective teaching and shaping students’ character,” he asserted.
Author Manoj Patil emphasised that the state government must take steps to bring historical records related to Karnataka from archives in Maharashtra. “Conducting research by traveling there is very difficult. If such records are available locally, it will help researchers and even farmers to better understand the history of their land. Additionally, Maratha and Modi scripts must be translated into Kannada,” he said.
Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said “It is essential to teach children the true history of our land so that they develop pride in it”.
He said that merely making children engineers and doctors is not enough—they must be imparted with cultural values and historical awareness. “The tradition of visiting libraries is vanishing. When even teachers themselves read less, it is natural for students to lose interest in reading. We need to cultivate in children an interest in literature and create a reading-friendly atmosphere,” he emphasised.