Replying to the felicitation by the Kannada and Culture Department, Kambar, the eighth recipient from the State to receive the nation’s most coveted literary honour, said the varsity will go a long way in refining the pedagogy of imparting education in Kannada and preserving the language.

The renowned litterateur also urged the Government to make use of modern technology for the promotion of Kannada in a big way.  The government should encourage use of the language in computers and cellphones, he suggested.

“This is an unforgettable occasion for me. I am getting more than I deserve. I thank the government for the felicitations,” Kambar said.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said the Government had an open mind on Kambar’s suggestion on making Kannada as the medium of instruction up to tenth standard.

“The government has realised the importance of Kambar’s suggestion. However, the modalities for implementing it need to be worked out. We will take it up for consideration soon,” Gowda said. The chief minister said Kambar had made the State proud by bagging the coveted award. The Government has earned honours by felicitating Kambar.

Benefits for classical tag

He expressed hope that the Union Government would extend all benefits due for Kannada as a classical language.

Kannada and Culture Minister Govind Karjol said the State Government will make arrangements to reprint the works of Kambar and make them available at affordable prices.

“We will take up translation of his major works into other languages. The government will also organise theatre festivals based on the plays penned by Kambar,” Karjol said.