'Kannadigas should get a due share in employment'

Kannada lexicographer Prof G Venkatasubbaiah endorses Johnson’s view. A lexicographer’s role is only to prepare the ground, so that creative writers can have a smooth ride. Seldom the lexicographers get recognition for their work.

After decades of hard work as a lexicographer, writer and critic, Venkatasubbaiah has been chosen to preside over  Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. At the age of 98, he is as active and alert as a 38-year-old. Popularly known as Prof GV, he will be preside over the 77th Sammelana scheduled to be held in Bangalore between February 4 and 6.

Born in 1913, Venkatasubbaiah was influenced by illustrious teachers like Prof B M Srikanthaiah, Prof A R Krishnashastri, T S Venkannaiah, V Seetharamaiah and Kuvempu during his student days in Mysore. He continued the tradition of ‘great teachers’ as a lecturer at Maharaja’s College in Mysore and Vijaya College in Bangalore. He edited an eight-volume Kannada-Kannada dictionary, published many dictionaries and was actively involved with many panels working on dictionaries. His weekly column — ‘Igo Kannada’ — published in ‘Prajavani’ for 18 years was extremely popular. His works have enriched the Kannada vocabulary.

In an interview with Satish Shile of Deccan Herald, GV spoke about the influence of English on Kannada, efforts necessary for the survival of Kannada, among other issues.

Excerpts:

What is your reaction to being chosen for this honour?

I am happy, but not excited about it. I had worked as president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat and edited dictionary work of the parishat. My work as a lexicographer is also one among the reasons for this honour. Many people have recognised me as a good teacher. All these factors must have prompted the parishat’s executive committee to choose me. But, I had never expected that it would come way.

The Sammelana is being organised in Bangalore, where Kannada speaking community is becoming a minority. How should one counter this development?

English is a murderous language. It can kill other languages. I am not opposed to teaching English in schools. But parents should make it a point to teach their children Kannada first. English should be introduced at either standard II or III. I have seen many parents speak only in English at home and they also encourage children to speak only English. The parents switch over to Kannada only when they want to discuss something in private. First of all, the administration at Vidhana Soudha should be in Kannada.

Every order, notification, letter issued by the administration should be in Kannada. Every Kannadiga should fight for this. Kannadigas should launch an agitation against the onslaught of English. A movement of this kind is necessary. If Kannadigas slip into deep slumber, danger is awaited. The education department should strive to improve the status of Kannada schools.

What is your take on the current usage of Kannada in newspapers and cinema?

Everyday I read four Kannada newspapers, where I see a vast influence of English. Sometimes the English idioms are poorly translated. If journalists show interest, I am ready to take up the work of translating frequently used English idioms for the benefit of Kannada newspapers. In cinema and electronic media, the use of English is extensive. I hardly find a sentence in pure Kannada. I wish those who work in the media prefer to use Kannada words, instead of English, so that Kannada vocabulary remains as rich as ever.

Kannada can survive only if the Kannadigas survive. What are your suggestions for their survival?

Kannadigas should get employment in all industries that come up in Karnataka. If a Gujarati comes here and sets up an industry he should give 50 per cent of jobs to local people. Otherwise, what is the point in giving the outsiders land here? Local people lose their fertile land to help an outsider make profit. Sarojini Mahishi had recommended reservation for local people in industries. For years the recommendations have remained only on paper. The government should take all necessary measures to ensure that Kannadigas get a due share in employment.

How do you rate the present day writings in Kannada?

I have been reading many good Kannada writers. Many of them have exposure to English literature and their writings are also influenced by that language. Their use of language is simple. As a lexicographer, I have seen Kannada language changing since 1930. I am sure at least 5,000 to 6,000 English words will be part of Kannada vocabulary in the next 10 years. My only suggestion is writers should avoid depending on English words.

You are among the writers who prefer not to take a stand on any political development, be it corruption in administration or illegal mining...

I don’t want to take a stand on any political issue in public, as such a move may prompt others to identify me with a political party. I don’t want that to happen. Moreover issues like illegal mining need to be probed thoroughly before blaming any individual. Since unification of Karnataka in 1956, the state has witnessed development in different sectors. The state has been ruled by many efficient politicians in the past. The present rulers should emulate them.