Dignitaries attending the inaugural function of the 11th Hubballi Urban Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan at Hubballi on Sunday. | Photo credit: Daka Lyngdoh
Senior writer Jayashri Viranna Dande said that Kannada has historically evolved as a language of the people. In these changing times, it must continue to remain vibrant and inclusive, she said.
She was speaking after inaugurating the 11th edition of Hubballi Urban Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelan in Hubballi on Sunday.
In her speech, Ms. Dande said that the people of Karnataka have traditionally lived and breathed Kannada in their daily lives. But the situation has changed in cities like Bengaluru, where the language is struggling to maintain its presence, she noted.
She noted that in many places it is often working-class women who continue to maintain the everyday use of Kannada.
Tracing the development of Kannada literature, she said the language was initially associated with the royal courts but gradually became the language of the common people.
Referring to 12th-century social reformers Basavanna and Allama Prabhu, she said she believed critical thinking and knowledge should reach everyone.
According to her, the Sharana movement brought literature closer to the life and concerns of ordinary people and helped flourish folk traditions.
Ms. Dande said Basavanna welcomed the creative potential of all individuals and freed literature from rigid constraints making it accessible to everyone.
He challenged the notion that prayers should only be offered in certain languages and encouraged people to show devotion in their own language.
She said Basavanna encouraged people to question blind faith, apply reason and examine themselves.
Sammelanadhyakshe Sneha Bhusanur said that the main aim of literature is to promote humanity.
Literature must challenge ignorance, superstition, casteism and injustice and raise its voice against social evils, she said.
While the number of writers has increased, she noted, the quality of literary criticism and engagement with contemporary issues has not kept pace.
Writers should avoid factionalism and ensure that literature reflects social reality, she added.
Expressing concern over the declining connection between language and culture, she said over-reliance on foreign languages has weakened the place of Kannada among the younger generations. Many children are educated in English-medium institutions without adequate exposure to Kannada history, literature and culture, she said.
She also expressed concern about the increasing violence against women and called for the joint efforts of both men and women to build a just and humane society.
She urged the taluk and zilla panchayats to actively promote literature and culture in Hubballi and appealed to parents to adopt the principle of “learn in Kannada, learn English” and “don’t learn Kannada as well”, and demanded the renovation of Kannada schools while ensuring that the development of Kannada was given importance in English-medium institutions as well.
KS Kaulajgi said that the best way to preserve Kannada is to actively use the language in daily life.
Referring to Kerala’s Malayalam Language Act, he said Karnataka should also consider introducing similar legislation to promote and protect Kannada.
Expressing concern over the lack of government funding for the Sahitya Sammelan, Lingaraj Angadi said that despite repeated assurances, financial support has not materialised. He stated that the administrative building of the organization requires repairs, and although the mayor promised to release funds for this purpose, assistance has not yet been provided.
They subsequently published several books in the presence of various dignitaries.
Published – 15 March 2026 18:59 IST
