Observing that modern urbanisation has distanced youth from book culture, Dr. Manasa, Chairman of the Kannada Book Authority, said that initiatives like ‘Manegondu Library’ are aimed at reconnecting young people with reading. She was speaking at the launch of the ‘Manegondu Library’ project pamphlet at Patrika Bhavan in the city on Monday. The programme was organised jointly by the Kannada Book Authority and the Kannada Sahitya Parishat. Appointment letters were also distributed to members of the District Awareness Committee of the Book Authority.
Dr. Manasa said the programme, designed to instil reading habits among youth, has already been implemented in 30 districts, with Shivamogga being the only district pending.
Special events will also be organised in the names of eminent writers and Jnanpith awardees to commemorate their contributions to Kannada literature. She noted that reading culture among Kannadigas has improved and the Authority is taking further steps to strengthen it.
“If every home has a ‘Library Bhandara’ just like a prayer room, knowledge within families will grow,” she said, adding that the initiative aims to establish library corners in one lakh households across the State, including those of public representatives and film personalities.
Ten awareness members are being appointed in each district as part of a statewide movement. Referring to writer Devanur Mahadeva’s words, she emphasised that seeds of knowledge must be nurtured to grow.
The Authority also plans to institute four annual awards in the four revenue divisions of the State, to be presented by the Chief Minister. The proposed awards include the NanjangudThirumalamba Award, Ha.Ma. Nayak Award, P.R. Thippeswamy Award, and Galaganath Award, recognising distinguished contributions to Kannada literature and book culture.
Former Parishat President T.P. Ramesh recalled reading magazines such as Chandamama and Balamitra in his childhood and expressed concern that book reading has declined in the era of social media. He stressed the need to cultivate reading habits among the younger generation.
H.T. Anil, President of the Kodagu Journalists Association, pointed out that Kodagu lacks adequate bookstores and urged the Authority to establish bookshops and organise book fairs in the district.
District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President M.P. Keshava Kamath assured full cooperation for the initiative and announced plans to organise a children’s poetry festival to encourage literary interest among youngsters.
Certificates were distributed to committee members, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
