While monsoon cast a spell outside, it was Kannada that reverberated inside the Kaveri Kalakshetra, marking the beginning of the eighth taluk-level Kannada literary meet on Saturday.
Inaugurating the meeting, president of the literary meet B A Shamshuddin denounced the opinion among the people that Kodagu has contributed very little to Kannada literature. “The contributions of Kodavas in the field of literature dates back to hundreds of years, when a strong foundation was laid with notable writings. It is further evident, with an increase in the number of women writers, courtesy encouragement given by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Barely a few women writers had evinced interest in literature earlier,” he added.
Saying that language and literature are entwined, Shamshuddin pointed out that the development of language is always in sync with literature. Similarly, the development of Kannada language hinges on its literature.
He also cautioned against attempts being made to portray Kannada as ‘useless’ and ‘with no rewards’. While every language has its own nature of significance, one should develop love and affection towards land and the language.
Shamshuddin urged educational institutions, “Work to renew students’ interest in Kannada by involving them in activities like bringing out handwritten papers and wallpapers among others that existed earlier in schools. While the dwindling interest among teachers is also a matter of concern, language teachers should make efforts to attract students towards literature.”
MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said, “Due preference should be given to Kannada, as any attempt to ignore the language is not to be accepted. It is only during such literary meets can one be assured of a secular atmosphere without any party affiliations.”
Saying that many people are migrating from the district in search of jobs, Ranjan said they are forgetting the language. Learning a new language has become inevitable, but Kannada should be the priority.” MLA K G Bopaiah said, “Such is the pathetic situation that one should fight for the survival of Kannada.
While there is depletion in the number of Kannada speaking populace in urban areas, people are under the impression that English ensures a better position in society.”
State Silk Marketing Board chairperson T P Ramesh said, “The district provides favourable conditions for the development of Kannada language. Although the demography comprises people speaking different languages like Kodava, Arebhashe, Tulu, Marathi and also Beary, Kannada is still the administrative language.”
Chairperson of the seventh literary meet Sridhar Hegde advised authorities concerned to go along with the tide, making use of Facebook and WhatsApp to spread the essence of the language.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza flagged off the procession from the Old Fort.
Published 17 June 2017, 18:24 IST