JOIN USThe State government is keen on having a commemorative library at Melige in Theerthahalli taluk in Shimoga district, the birthplace of Jnanapith awardee U R Ananthamurthy who passed away on Friday.
Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmanne Ratnakar, who is also the district in-charge minister of Shimoga, said he will take up the initiative by speaking to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and family members of Ananthamurthy.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ratnakar said the State needs to give a fitting tribute to the literary giant whose writings have inspired lakhs. “The library could be set up at Melige or Ranjadakatte, where Ananthamurthy spent his formative years. I would prefer Melige,” Ratnakar said.
The minister said the library could be attached to a study centre at Kuvempu University dedicated to study the life, works and times of Ananthamurthy. “The students could visit Melige, make use of the library and conduct research,” he said.
Kuppalli, the birthplace of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, has emerged as a centre for cultural tourism. Kavimane, the childhood home of Kuvempu at Kuppali, has been converted into a museum by the Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Foundation.
Sources in the chief minister’s office said Siddaramaiah is likely to make an announcement of having a befitting memorial for Ananthamurthy in a few days.
Replying to a query, Ratnakar said he would consider a proposal of introducing the works of Ananthamurthy in the school curriculum.