Classical Kannada language recognition day observed at CIIL

Mysuru: Project director of Centre for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK) Nilgiri Talwar said that on behalf of all Kannadigas across the globe, he urges the political leaders of both State and Central governments, to get autonomous status to the CESCK, to expand its activities further, in order to fulfill its vision and objectives.

He was speaking during the Classical Kannada Language Recognition Day celebration organised by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) on its premises, on Hunsur Road, in Mysuru, on Friday.

Talwar said, "Our ancient inscriptions and literary works are evidence to Kannada's antiquity and prosperity. Tamil was the first language to get 'classical' status. It got its autonomous status also immediately. We are stepping into the 18th year, since Kannada was accorded classical language status. Ever since CESCK was established, it has functioned creatively, within its limitions. We have published eight books. We are ready to publish 22 more books.

We held about 300 programmes, including special lectures, seminars, workshops, and training. We aim to have an open air museum, to house ancient inscriptions, to depict the rich Kannada culture; preserve classical Kannada texts using modern technologies and publicise them. We plan to translate ancient Kannada books to different languages of the world. We will build a team who will take up research related to Kannada language, study ancient Kannada texts and comprehend them. It can be achieved only through autonomous status. With the same 'political will', which obtained classical status to Kannada, our leaders should get autonomous status too".

Deputy Director of CIIL P R Dharmesh Fernandez said that although CESCK is yet to get autonomous status, it is not lagging behind in activities. Since it is a part of CIIL, CESCK is getting all necessary support, to take up its activities effectively, he said.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Sanskrit University Mallepuram G Venkatesh spoke on 'Multifaceted foreword on Classical Kannada'. He said that the prosperity of Kannada language has continued to flow through continuous works by various scholars.

In-charge director of CIIL Uma Rani Pappuswamy recalled that Kannada had a script in the 5th century. Kaviraja marga indicates that the language had full-fledged grammar by 9th century. She called on CESCK staff to give a modern voice to the classical tongue, by utilising modern technology creatively, to preserve ancient books and further popularise the classical Kannada among younger generations through podcasts and other modes, to ensure that the language is firmly rooted.

Even as 23 persons have donated their collection of ancient Kannada books to CESCK, S Taranath and Shankar Devanur who have donated more than 300 books were honoured on the occasion. Shankar Devanur presented even a digital format of the ancient palm leaf manuscript of Vachanas of Basavanna. Coordinating officer of Classical language cell of CIIL L R Prem Kumar was present.