It was Rashtrakavi Kuvempu who spread the essence of Kannada literature across the land,” said litterateur Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah, who is also the President of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Prathishtana at Kuppalli.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Kuvempu Chitrashaale’ at the museum in Manasagangotri here yesterday.

“The modern day youth, who are influenced by English are tending to ignore their mother tongue Kannada. Also, the number of Kannada-speaking people is steadily decreasing while at the same time, English is gaining priority. Besides, nowadays many people feel that speaking in Kannada itself is humiliation and this tendency is fast pushing Kannada into oblivion,” he regretted.

Continuing, he said Kuvempu’s name remains forever in Kannada literature. Kuvempu who was well versed in English literature, first wrote in English and presented it to his mentor, who in turn advised him to continue in the literary field. Kuvempu then chose to involve himself in Kannada literature, thus becoming a perfect disciple of his mentor, he said.

Observing that Kuvempu’s works had the strength to attract a whole range of readers, Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah said the government has plans to bring out his autobiography. Besides, there are plans to distribute Kuvempu’s Sri Ramayana Darshanam’ CD amongst the public, so as to bring Kuvempu much closer to the common man, he explained.

He also said that Kuppali’s Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Prathishtana has instituted an award carrying a purse of Rs. 5 lakh to famous non-Kannada writers, starting from this year. The prize is donated by the family of former Minister late M. Chandrashekar, who was an ardent fan of Kuvempu, he added.

Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Rangappa who presided, said all administrative help will be provided if the Prathishtana came forward to set up a branch at Manasagangotri.

Scholar Prof. Ramegowda (Ragow) was the chief guest on the occasion. Museum Director Prof. M.P. Mahadevaiah, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Director Prof. N.M. Talwar and others were present.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore