Literature can't flourish with govt support alone: Prez

President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday that literature cannot flourish based on government support alone.

Society at large, philanthropists and private sector must play a role in nurturing and promoting the treasure of languages and literature that is India’s heritage.

Mukherjee was speaking after presenting the 46th Jnanapitha award for 2010 to Kannada author Chandrashekhara Kambar. He presented a memento, citation and a cash prize of Rs seven lakh to the writer. He said, “We need to do much more to recognise, nurture and promote excellence in writing in Indian languages. Creativity and talent that is widely present in Indian languages need better platforms and greater exposure. There is a need to take to the world, Indian literature from our vernacular languages.”

Dr Kambar’s multi-faceted genius can be seen in the fact that he has directed a number of movies based on his works, and also composed music for them. He has produced several documentaries for the State and Central governments. His elevation to the post of chairman of the National School of Drama and the Karnataka Nataka Akademi speak of his accomplishments in the field of theatre, he said.

Dr Kambar, in his acceptance speech, said he was happy to receive the highest literary award at his native place. He expressed gratitude to the Bharatiya Jnanapitha for selecting him for the award, his teachers and parents.

Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj said Kannada was the richest language in the world as it offered so much power and variety. Karnataka has excelled in literature and this literature must go to other parts of the country.