Kannada Language & Literature Hold a Unique Place - MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi

At the 19th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi urged government support for Kannada literature. Prof. Shetty stressed the need to preserve mother tongue education.

on Sep 02, 2024

In the Kundapur Assembly constituency, MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi highlighted the unique position occupied by the Kannada language and literature. According to him, more than merely mandating Kannada signboards is required; the government must fund literary gatherings to foster the language's growth. He emphasized the importance of approaching literature from a scholarly perspective rather than rushing to critique it.

Speaking at the 19th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana ‘Tarkani’ organized by the Kundapur Taluk unit of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat at the KPS Auditorium in Bidkal Katte, on the Molahalli Shivarao stage, MLA A Kiran Kumar Kodgi made these remarks.

Prof Balakrishna Shetty Molahalli, a retired principal who presided over the event, noted in his speech that just as integration was crucial during the freedom struggle, there is currently confusion regarding language. While learning English is important, it's equally essential not to neglect one's mother tongue.

Prof Shetty emphasized that living without acknowledging one's mother tongue is impossible, underlining the closure of 1,800 Kannada schools and the opening of over 3,000 English-medium schools. He urged serious attention to this issue.

Furthermore, Prof Shetty underscored that household transformations are necessary to preserve our language and culture. Children will naturally absorb a Kannada-speaking environment at home. However, when parents converse in English, their children may seek help to retain their mother tongue and face challenges in learning any language properly. He pointed out that disregarding the significance of the mother tongue by parents and teachers can hinder children's achievements. He also recommended modernizing Kannada schools, providing examples of how this can attract students. To ensure the survival of Kannada, he suggested that children should receive education in their mother tongue, at least up to the 7th standard.

Neelavara Surendra Adiga, the president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Udupi District, delivered the welcome address. US Shenoy read the speech of the previous convention president, Koni Shivananda Karanth.

During the event, notable personalities, including Purnima, assistant director of the Kannada and Culture Department; Kundapur Tahsildar Shobhalakshmi; M Mahesh Hegde, president of the Sammelana reception committee; B Arun Kumar Hegde, president of the Sammelana financial committee; and many others, were in attendance.

A high school that achieved 100% marks in SSLC through Kannada medium was acknowledged, and outstanding students were honoured. TSatish Shettigar, a teacher at KPS Bidkal Katte, announced the list.

Before the formal event, the national flag was hoisted by M Chandrashekhar Shetty, president of Molahalli Gram Panchayat, and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat flag was hoisted by Dr Umesh Puthran, president of the Kundapur unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishat. The convention president was honoured before the Mukhamantapa of Kolanakallu Sri Mahaganapati Temple.

Entrepreneur Dinesh Hegde Molahalli flagged off the procession, which was followed by a grand parade of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. The procession showcased various cultural elements, such as Kambala, Kolipade, Yakshagana, Bhajans, and other traditional performances reflecting the culture of the Kundapur region.