JOIN USThe Dr Raj Study Centre established by the Hampi Kannada University, six years ago, is in a state of utter neglect.
The Centre was set up to research and document the contribution of the thespian to the Kannada theatre, films, language and culture.
The State government had initially granted Rs 15 lakh for the Centre with an instruction to deposit the sum in a bank and use the interest to carryout its activities.
However, it was soon realised that the funds were not sufficient to carry forward the work in a creative and effective manner and ministers promised to release more funds to boost research activities at the Centre. The promise remains unfulfilled till today.
The centre is bereft of a separate building. It is functioning from a room located in the library of the varsity. C R Govindaraj, a history lecturer, is the convenor of the Centre.
Literature on Dr Rajkumar, a legendary actor and Dada Saheb Phalke awardee, has been displayed at the study centre. The material includes compact discs, song recordings and rare photographs of Dr Raj. “The objective of the Centre remains unfulfilled in the absence of a separate building,” Govindaraj told Deccan Herald.
The Centre is engaged in preparing a film guide about the actor’s various films and their impact on the socio-cultural ethos of the times. The study centre has been conducting several discussions on Rajkumar’s award-winning films at regular intervals.
The convenor has presented a research paper on Rajkumar’s performance in historical roles. Also, two students are researching on ‘Dr Raj’s role in the Gokak movement’ and ‘Rakjkumar’s loyalty to the Kannada language.’