Legislative Council President Basavaraj Horatti speaking at the closing ceremony of the 87th Akhila Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammelan in Mandya on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
The three-day 87th Akhila Bharat Kananda Sahitya Sammelan concluded here on Sunday in which writers and literary figures made cautionary remarks about the future of the Kannada language.
A set of resolutions were also passed to promote the use of Kannada and ensure its emergence as a language of commerce and transactions in the coming days.
Concluding address of the conference, Kanand scholar CP Krishna Kumar said that despite territorial or geographical unification of Karnataka 70 years ago, it has not resulted in emotional unification and there are many challenges plaguing the Kannada language.
Citing Kavirajamarga, a 9th century Kannada book on poetry, Prof. Krishna Kumar said that the land boundary of Kannadigas extends from Kaveri to Godavari, but in the current situation, they have to struggle to maintain the boundary.
He said that Kannada language has a history of 2000 years and a literary tradition of more than 1000 years and the culture of the state is rooted in the language.
However, it is regrettable to promote English in educational institutions when teaching in the mother tongue (Kannada) can lead to better understanding and deeper connection with the culture. Prof. Krishna Kumar said that although there is no need to look down on English or any other language, Kannada language should be given priority as it has assimilated the culture of the state.
Discussing the challenges ahead for Kannada, he said that despite the lack of commitment of successive governments to promote Kannada, there is also a lack of pride or interest in the language among Kannadigas.
Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti said that it is not enough to spend crores of rupees and organize a Kannada Sahitya Sammelan until the resolution is implemented.
He asked Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Mahesh Joshi to submit the proposals to the Chief Minister and ensure their implementation.
“When the next conference is in Ballari, a list should be made of how many resolutions have been passed and how many of them have been implemented by the government,” Mr. Horatti said.
Mahesh Joshi, who announced that the 88th Akhila Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammelan will be held in Ballari, discussed the contribution of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad in the promotion of Kannada.
Mandya district in-charge minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the conference was a huge success and set a record in terms of attendance.
He claimed that more than 200,000 people participated in the three-day conference and 600,000 people participated in the three-day conference.
Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Govt. Rs. Channabasappa, who presided over the 87th conference, Swami Nirmalanandanath of Adi Chunchangiri Math and others were present.
published – December 22, 2024 09:38 PM IST