The state budget has earmarked Rs1 crore for publishing representational writings in Kannada by Jnanpith awardees in English and other languages although many of their works have been translated already.
“The government is probably not aware that most of the translated works of Jnanpith awardees are already available,” BT Lalitha Nayak, former minister for Kannada Culture and Welfare, said on Friday.
This amount could be utilised for getting the works of other Kannada writers translated into various languages, she added. “The government should find some ways to channel Rs1 crore to other writers.”
She welcomed the allocation of Rs2 crore for building Kannada Samskruthi Bhavan in Belgaum. “Being on the border, Belgaum has always suffered an identity crisis. This building will give it a
sense of belonging,” she said.
Sathya Prakash Varanashi, convenor of INTACH, Bangalore chapter, was critical of the plan to allot Rs50 crore for a theme park in Hampi.
“This amount should be used for providing pathways, water and literature kiosks that can improve tourism in the area. It will make sense to have a ‘Hampi theme park’ in Mysore or Bangalore. But having a theme park in Hampi is no good,” Varanashi said.
The government should have a long-term view while allotting funds for such projects. While several new projects figured in this year’s budget, last year’s schemes failed to find any mention in Friday’s speech. This was a dangerous trend, he said.
However, there is a thread of continuity when it comes to revival of Hindustani music. Last year’s budget had earmarked Rs2 crore to build an auditorium in the name of musician Savai Gandharv at Kundagol. This year, Rs1 crore has been allocated for the maintenance of Gangubai Hanagal Music School at Hubli.
“It is a welcome move since it shows that there are efforts to revive patronage to Hindustani music,” he said.
