The 9th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan of Somwarpet taluk was held on Monday at the premises of Kajur Government Higher Primary School at Aigur village.
Inaugurating the event, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said that several developmental demands had been placed before him, including development of Mallalli Falls, Makkalgudi Hill, construction of a PU college at Madapura and allotment of sites for agricultural labourers. He assured that he would respond positively to these demands and also extended support to families who recently lost their homes due to accidental fire.
Emphasising the importance of preserving history while having a vision for the future, the MLA said Kannada has united the people of Kodagu and assured continued encouragement to writers. He added that he had extended cooperation for the success of the Sammelan.
Conference President Jalaja Shekhar appealed to people to learn multiple languages while giving priority to Kannada. He expressed concern that migrants settling in the State are not being encouraged to learn Kannada, warning that the survival of a language depends on its daily usage and relevance in people’s lives.
He also expressed concern over increasing screen time among children, stating that it is reducing compassion and empathy. To nurture humane values, he urged parents and society to inculcate a reading habit among children and encourage them to read books written by authors.
Delivering the main address, Mysuru-based writer Jayappa Honnali said Kannadigas should take pride in their language and identity and not become “November Kannadigas”.
He expressed concern that Kannada today needs protection even in its own land.
Immediate past conference president S.G. Nayanatara said such village-level conferences help strengthen Kannada and promote unity. Leaders also observed that Kodagu has witnessed a significant rise in writers in recent years.
Several books, including Niruttara by Jalaja Shekhar, Compoundge Banna Mose Sunnavilla by Besur Mohan Palegar, Nemmadi by Jala Kalappa, Bhavabhavadedege Vikasada Muthaka by Sharmila Ramesh, Pushkarini by Lavanya Mohan and Sapta Svaratathan by Yashasvi Ganesh, were released along with the cover of the Sammelan commemorative volume Aigurina Isiri.
Earlier, senior leader B.A. Jeevijaya inaugurated the Sammelan and spoke on the evolution of Kannada literature. A colourful procession, cultural performances, book stalls and a blood donation camp organised by the Health Department added to the event’s significance.
