In a world governed by politicians and religious groups, Kannada as a language has been a binding force, bridging gaps between religious groups in Dakshina Kannada. People belonging to different faiths in the district, hold Kannada as their mother tongue, though they speak different languages like Konkani, Tulu, Beary at their homes and private groups.
The entire tribe of Kannada litterateurs, workers and administrators hold the district of Dakshina Karnataka as a model district for Kannada implementation as the language has always occupied the centre stage when it comes to social events. And, perhaps that’s the reason why every Kannada writer, reader and follower turn to Dakshina Karnataka when it holds its district level Kannada Sahitya Sammelan.
“When it comes to Kannada, there is neither political groupism nor supremacy of any religious group. We have taken the chariot of Kannada from every household to village levels, hobli levels, taluk and district levels. Recently, we conducted sahitya sammelana at individual household levels, which has completed our quest for achieving grass root level development and reach of Kannada,” Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, president of Dakshina Kannada district Kannada Sahitya Parishat told DNA.
“Though funds were in the short supply for literary activities, it has not stopped us from taking up Kannada literary programmes. We have found help from institutions,” Kalkura said.
This year, the Dakshina Kannada district Sahitya Sammelana will be held at Uppinangady in Puttur taluk on February 1 and 2. “The model created by the district in extending the reach of Kannada into homes through ‘Griha Sahitya Sammelanas’ has enthused Kannada workers from all over the state and many of them have asked us for an invitation voluntarily” Kalkura added.
