JOIN USKannadigas' negligence towards language criticised
Delivering the valedictory address at the Alva’s Nudisiri at Vidyagiri here on Sunday, he said that even when Sanskrit and Tamil were recognised as classical languages, Kannada was left out. Kannadigas should strive to promote Kannada and make the language rich, he added.
The seer said said that even officials in the State lack expertise in Kannada and most of them are negligent towards the language, Kannadigas should nurture love and prestige towards the mother tongue. However, our love should not be egoistic.
“Language is like a crop. It also acts as a fence for a state. It has more power than any kind of weapons available in the world. We can capture even power with the power of language,” he said pointing out that the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti had gained prominence in Belgaum with the power of language.
The political scenario in Karnataka has already perturbed the minds of Kannadigas. At this juncture, literary programmes can help people to relax themselves from all kind of agonies, he observed.
The total number of literary works contributed by Kannada writers in the past 100 years outnumber the contributions of past 1900 years of Kannada literary history. But still, it cannot be considered adequate, he said adding that writers should contribute more towards the language.
The seer said that promoting Kannada language is essential in the competitive world of IT and BT. Literary programmes should be organised and achievers who contributed towards the development of Kannada should be honoured, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, noted film director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar said that through Nudisiri programme, the awareness on language and literature is being increased even in rural areas. It is commendable move that literary meet is being organised in a campus.
Nowadays people lack peace of mind due to the corrupt administration and political situation. It has been proved that anyone who has money can rule the state.
Literary programmes will help people relax their minds and also will shape youths into good citizens, he added.
Speaking after felicitating Nudisiri awardees, president of the literary meet Dr Hampa Nagarajaiah said that Kannadigas had both gains and losses when the state was formed. When the state was unified, several rich and fertile regions, which belonged to Karnataka, were handed over to other states, he lamented.
There were several Kannada institutions in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh before the state formation. However, it is unfortunate that most of the institutions, which were teaching Kannada in those states, have been closed. It was through the dedication of several language lovers that the Kannada language has been made rich, he said.
Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva and former MLA Amarnath Shetty were present.
Nudisiri awards
Achievers, who contributed towards the development of Kannada language, literature and the state were conferred with the ‘Nudisiri Award’ on the occasion. Awardees include former MP Dr Sarojini Mahishi, writer Dr Sudhamurthy, theatre artist Prasanna, poet Dr B A Sanadi, physician Dr C R Chandrashekhar, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce chairperson Dr Jayamala, veteran Yakshagana artist K Govinda Bhat, Professor M Ramachandra, software engineer Prof K P Rao and folk artist Nadoja Sukri Bommagowda.