Inculcate Love for Kannada in Children: T.S. Gopal
T.S. Gopal, President of the First Kannada Literary Conference of Ponnampet Taluk, emphasized the need to cultivate a love for Kannada among children and called for it to be made a priority from an early age.
He was speaking while presiding over the First Kannada Literary Conference of the taluk, held on Monday at the Coorg Star Chekkera Appiah Stage on the Janata High School Grounds in Hudikeri, Ponnampet Taluk.
Highlighting the rich heritage of the language, Gopal said that Kannada has a history spanning more than 2,000 years and possesses a glorious literary and cultural tradition. He described Kannada as one of the most beautiful languages among the Dravidian languages of South India and suggested that the language should be simplified and taught effectively to children.
He stated that Kannada, being the language of the land, should be learned and promoted extensively. Along with the mother tongue, children should also be taught the language of the state and the region.
Pointing out that the southern part of Kodagu shares its border with Kerala, Gopal noted that Kannada, Kodava, Malayalam and various Adivasi languages are spoken in the region. In addition, students learn English and Hindi as part of their education. While importance should be given to learning multiple languages, he stressed that first priority must always be accorded to Kannada.
He further stated that the alphabets of any language should be taught in a simple and accessible manner. Children must develop admiration and respect for their native language, and greater emphasis should be placed on Kannada language and literature. Love for Kannada should be nurtured at every level of society.
Gopal observed that there is nothing wrong with learning other languages alongside the regional language. English, he noted, has become an internationally accepted language and learning multiple languages is beneficial. However, he maintained that those who come from outside the state should also be encouraged to learn and use Kannada.
Expressing concern, he said it is often heard that many children who speak Kannada fluently face difficulties in reading and writing the language. Kannada should be practiced at home, and children should be taught correct pronunciation and linguistic nuances.
Former Kannada Sahitya Parishat President T.P. Ramesh said many writers and poets from Kodagu have contributed significantly to the development of Kannada language and literature. He called for greater efforts to preserve and promote languages facing decline and urged parents and teachers to encourage children to participate in literary activities.
