Kannada Must Be Given Highest Priority in Karnataka's Administration, Declare Literary Leaders
Dharwad: Kannada should be accorded the highest priority in the administration of Karnataka, declared Chandrashekhar Rottigawad, president of the Dharwad taluk 12th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. He made this emphatic statement during the 12th Dharwad taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which was held at Alur Venkatrao Bhavan in Dharwad on Thursday.
Mandatory Learning of Kannada Urged for All Residents
Rottigawad asserted that everyone residing in Karnataka must learn to read, write, and speak Kannada. He emphasized that this is not merely a cultural preference but a fundamental requirement for integration and empowerment within the state. Highlighting Dharwad's illustrious literary heritage, he noted that the city has been home to numerous stalwarts who worked tirelessly to nurture and promote the Kannada language and culture, thereby significantly enriching its literary tradition over generations.
Celebrating Karnataka's Unification and Literary Contributions
Reflecting on the historic Karnataka unification movement, Rottigawad pointed out that the dream of a united Karnataka was realized through the collective resolve and determination of Kannadigas. He specifically mentioned poets from Dharwad district who stirred public consciousness with inspiring and patriotic songs such as "Udayavagali Namma Cheluva Kannada Nadu" and "Hacchevu Kannadada Deepa," which played a crucial role in instilling pride and a strong sense of identity among the people.
Rottigawad further elaborated that the development of the Kannada language is inseparable from the empowerment of the land and its people. To strengthen the language further, he urged the government to actively promote and support Kannada-medium schools across the state, ensuring that educational institutions become bastions of linguistic preservation and growth.
Literature as a Unifying Force and Respect for Mother Tongue
In his inaugural address, senior writer Prof Shantinath Dibbad emphasized that literature must serve as a unifying force rather than a divisive one. While acknowledging that all languages deserve respect and recognition, he stressed that individuals must never neglect or undervalue their mother tongue. This sentiment was echoed by other dignitaries present at the event.
Key Dignitaries and Cultural Highlights
The event saw participation from notable figures including Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar and Karnataka Sahitya Parishat district president Lingaraj Angadi, who shared their insights on the importance of linguistic and cultural promotion. Mayor Jyothi Patil released Ramachandra Kulkarni's book ‘Anubhuta Anavarata' on the occasion and called for greater appreciation and awareness of Kannada literature among the masses.
The gathering was graced by the presence of Murugha Mutt seer Mallikarjun Swamiji, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural proceedings. The sammelana served as a platform to reinforce the commitment to Kannada's prominence in administrative, educational, and cultural spheres, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance in modern Karnataka.
