‘Sammelanadhyaksha’ of 12^th Dharwad Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Professor Chandrashekhar Rottigawad has emphasised the need for giving priority to Kannada in administration in Karnataka.

Delivering the presidential address at the inauguration of Dharwad Taluk 12th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Alur Venkatrao Bhavan in Dharwad on February 26, he said that everyone living in Karnataka should read, speak, and write Kannada.

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“The movement for unification of Karnataka, which took shape in the hearts of Kannadigas, realised the dream of a united Kannada State. Poets from Dharwad inspired people with songs that instilled prided in Kannada. Dharwad has played a major role in the growth of Karnataka’s literature and culture,” he said.

Prof. Rottigawad said that the development of Kannada was not limited to language alone, but included empowerment of the land and its people, and the government should strengthen Kannada by promoting Kannada-medium schools.

Inaugurating the literary convention, senior writer Prof Shantinath Dibbad said literature should unite people rather than divide them. “Other languages should be respected, but one must never forget one’s mother tongue,” he said.

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Emphasising that literature transcended caste and religious differences, and promoted humanity, Hubballi Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said that understanding Kannada literature and the Constitution of India would help the youth in facing social challenges.

Dharwad district unit president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat Prof. Lingaraj Angadi elaborated on why it was important to organise literary conventions.

Mayor Jyoti Patil released Ramachandra Kulkarni’s book Anubhuta Anavarata, and called for greater awareness and appreciation of Kannada literature.

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Murugha Mutt seer Mallikarjun Swamiji and a host of eminent writers graced the occasion.