JOIN USSpeaking after inaugurating seventh district-level Kannada Sahithya Sammelan at Shanivarasanthe, he said that sahithya sammelans can be of great help in bridging gap and differences between people.
“India is a land of villages. Our culture, language and traditions are alive in villages. In cities, there are various institutes to look after the people. However, as 74 per cent of the population is residing in villages, there is a need to develop education, literature and culture in rural areas. In this background, there is a need to create an awareness on Kannada,” Baligar said.
“Kodagu is known for patriotism. Patriotism, literature and culture are not separate. They are part of harmony,” he opined.
Memorial
Baligar said “the government has already decided to develop the residence of Field Marshal K M Cariappa in Madikeri as a memorial. I felt sad that the house where he was born in Shanivarasanthe does not even have his photo. In this background, the department will strive for placing an oil painting of K M Cariappa along with beautifying the house,” he said and added that the department will also come forward to translate and publish the book written by Kariappa’s son Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa on his father.”
“Several regional languages and culture are on the verge of extinct. However, one should not be scared that Kannada will also face the same situation,” he added
He said that there is a need to strengthen literature and culture.
“Kannada language is older than English. This should be understood by those who have ‘fancy’ for English language,” he said.
Senior Litterateur Edurkala Shankaranarayana Bhat said “there is no threat for Kannada in Karnataka. However, no one should develop hatredness towards a language. Language is strength. Kannada should get highest position in the state.”
Litterateur Subraya Chokkadi, Somwarpet taluk KSP President J C Shekhar, Madikeri taluk KSP President K T Baby Mathew and others were present.
District Kannada Sahithya Parishat President T P Ramesh welcomed the gathering.
MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan also spoke.