Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna said preservation and promotion of Kodava language, literature and culture are essential for the survival of the community.
He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Kodava Pusthaka Pattaya’ initiative of the Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy at his residence in Virajpet. He said the project would help pass on Kodava literature and culture to future generations.
Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh Nachaiah said the ‘Kodava Pusthaka Pattaya’ would strengthen Kodava literature and encourage reading habits. He urged households to establish bookshelves instead of glorifying liquor cabinets.
State Sports Authority Vice-President Cheppudira Arun Machayya said the Academy’s programmes have united Kodava-speaking communities and called upon parents to teach Kodava language to children living abroad.
Several community leaders, literary figures and Academy members participated in the programme, which also featured traditional performances.
