Grand launch of Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Raichur; Ramanna Havale urges Govt. to make Kannada compulsory upto class 7

The two-day 12th District Raichur Kannada Sahitya Sammelana got off to a grand start in Raichur on Saturday with the hoisting of Kannada and Kannada Sahitya Parishat national flags followed by a ceremonial procession.

After the flag hoisting ceremony, the president of the sammelana, chief writer and educationist Ramanna Havale was taken in a flower-decorated chariot from the Mahila Samaja through the main streets of the city to Pandit Siddarama Jambaladinni Rangamandira.

The parade showcased the cultural heritage of Karnataka and featured performances by folk troupes including Dollu Kunitha, Hagalu Vesha, Garudi Gombe, Jhanj Mela, Kanihalige and Lambani dancers. Elected representatives, parish office bearers, writers and the public joined the procession, transforming the streets of the city into a festive place celebrating Kannada language and literature.

In his presidential address at the literary conference, Mr. Havale said that Kannada should be made a compulsory medium of instruction from class 1 to class 7 and job preference must be given to those educated in Kannada medium, he added.

Mr. Havale noted that Kannada is not only a language of communication but a heritage, a culture and a way of life. He argued that Kannadigas are moving away from their mother tongue as English is considered a language of livelihood.

He noted that Kannada is being neglected on the pretext of parental preference and prospects in the IT and biotech sectors.

Calling for comprehensive development of Raichur district, Mr. Havale urged the government to go beyond mere guarantees and establish an All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raichur. He also urged all elected representatives to pressurize the government to set up major industries in the district to transform the lives of people in a country with a 5,000-year history of religious tolerance shaped by rulers, Sharans, Dasas and Sufi saints.

Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik, MLA Basanagouda Daddal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Jubin Mohapatra, Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri and several local leaders were present on the occasion.

Published – 14 Nov 2026 21:50 IST