Mysuru Sammelana keeps it short, just 2 resolutions this year

Meet for implementing KDA wishlist, getting back recognition for KSOU courses

Curtains were drawn on the three-day 83rd Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana with much fanfare on Sunday.

Over two lakh people attended various events of the 'Nudi Jathre,' as it is shortly known, well beyond the schedule of the valedictory function on Sunday.

With an intention to pass only practicable resolutions, only two resolutions were passed unanimously. The organisers, Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP), are often ridiculed that the resolutions remain only on paper.  

The first resolution is a plea to the state government to implement the recommendations of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), the second one is a demand to take steps to get the withdrawn recognition for the courses of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The recommendations of the KDA include steps to strengthen government schools, implementation of the recommendations of the revised report of the Sarojini Mahishi Committee for according priority to Kannadigas in jobs and the recommendations for the encouragement of the use of Kannada language in the social media.

True to the name 'Nudi Jathre,' it was time for celebration for the people, both Mysureans and outsiders. As the last two days coincided with the weekend, the attendance of the people was overwhelming on the last day, Sunday. Even though the attendance was thin at the main dais and also at the other two venues - Maharaja's College Centenary Hall and Kalamandira (where technical sessions were held) - people were seen all over, on the Maharaja's College Grounds, University Sports Pavilion, Scouts and Guides Grounds and the connecting roads. The crowds were found shopping for many things, including books, well into the night. So, there were no people in the Central Business District (CBD), including the Mysuru Palace.

Next meet in Dharwad

On Saturday night, the executive committee of the KSP decided to hold the next Nudi Jathre, 84th Sammelana, in Dharwad, a paradise for writers, including Da Ra Bendre, who won the second Jnanpith award for Kannada in 1974.

The Mysuru Sammelana coincided with the golden jubilee of the first Jnanpith award for Kannada, presented to Kuvempu in 1967. Kuvempu studied and built his career in Mysuru, even though he was a native of Kuppalli in Shivamogga district.

It will be the fourth Sammelana being held in Dharwad city after a long gap of 60 years. The earlier Ssammelanas were held in 1918, 1940 and 1957 in Dharwad. While this year is the centenary of the first Sammelana (1917) held in Mysuru, next year will be the centenary of the first Sammelana (1918) held in Dharwad. This year's president, Champa, is a resident of Dharwad for the past 60 years.

Ananth decries political speeches

Union Minister Ananth Kumar, during the valedictory function, decried the use of the literary platform for promoting the political agenda of a few. He was referring to the inaugural speech of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the presidential address by writer Chandrasekhara Patil (Champa) on Friday.