Shivanand Kelaginamani. | Photo credit: File photo
Shivanand Kelaginamani, Vice-Chancellor of Aadikavi Sri Maharshi Valmiki University, Raichur, said Kannada literature has explored cultural exchanges for centuries, with poets reinterpreting classical texts and blending different cultural traditions.
He was speaking after launching an international conference on ‘Civilizational Literature: Texts, Traditions and Transcultural Dialogues Across Civilizations’ organized by Dharwad Katte in collaboration with Aadikavi Sri Maharshi Valmiki University, Janata Shikshana Samiti and Peter Lang, Switzerland at JSS College, Dharwad on Friday.
Professor Kelaginamani said the long history of Kannada language can be traced through classical works like Kavirajamarga. He noted that elements from Sanskrit were gradually incorporated into Kannada, which helped to enrich the language and shape its literary tradition. “Cultural exchange has always been an important part of Kannada literature and the language has shown openness to interacting with other traditions,” he pointed out.
VR Desai, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, inaugurated the two-day conference and delivered a lecture on ‘Bhagavad Gita – Philosophy of Action and Devotion’. He quoted several verses from the Gita and elaborated on how they remain relevant today. He also spoke about the importance of civilizing literature.
Prof. Desai and other dignitaries published “The Civilizational Imagination in Literature: Conference Abstracts” and Dharwad Katte’s “Global South International Peer-Reviewed Quarterly Journal”.
SM Shivaprasad, Professor, IIT Dharwad, and VS Katagihallimath, Administrative Officer, BVV Sangha Group of Education addressed the gathering. Basavaraj Donur of Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, presiding over the inaugural session, said the aim of organizing the seminar was to create awareness about the connection with the past. He noted that Dharwad Katte is the only organization in India that conducts discussions on the Shakespeare series.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Shivaprasad delivered a keynote address in which he emphasized the importance of transcultural dialogue in today’s world. He compared it to scientific discoveries and cultural development. He also mentioned the Silk Road, saying that it served not only as a trade route but also as a route for scholars and the exchange of ideas between universities.
Published – 14 March 2026 23:01 IST
