Linguist Kodi Kushalappa Gowda laid the cultural foundation for Arebhashe and established a systematic approach to its grammar, said Karnataka Arebhashe Culture and Literature Academy president Sadananda Mavaji.
He was speaking at the Dr. Kodi Kushalappa Gowda Nempuna programme organised by the Karnataka Arebhashe Culture and Literature Academy in association with the Dakshina Kannada Gowda Vidya Sangha, Sullia, and Sri Sharada Pre-University College, Sullia.
Mavaji said Kodi Kushalappa Gowda was among the foremost scholars who argued that Arebhashe should not merely be regarded as a dialect, but should be studied scientifically for its linguistic structure and distinctive features. He stressed the need to preserve and develop the sister languages of Kannada.
Dakshina Kannada Gowda Vidya Sangha president Dhananjaya Adpangaya said the Sangha had provided educational support and shelter to many students, with Kodi Kushalappa Gowda being one of its prominent beneficiaries.
Recalling the discipline, social values and unity of the Gowda community in earlier times, he said culture and tradition were the foundation for harmonious coexistence and development. He commended the efforts of the Arebhashe Academy to preserve and promote the language and its cultural heritage.
He urged students to value their mother tongue, saying that one’s language and culture are inherited from one’s parents and should not be abandoned.
Retired Sharada College lecturer Prasanna Nidyamale and college principal Swarnakala recalled Kodi Kushalappa Gowda’s literary contributions and highlighted their significance.
During the lecture session, Kodi’s disciple and writer Sanjeeva Kudpaje recalled his association with his mentor and spoke about his simplicity, generosity and friendly nature. He said Kodi, despite his stature as a scholar, treated everyone with respect.
Speaking on Arebhasheand Kodi Kushalappa Gowda’s Contribution, retired Kannada lecturer of Field Marshal Cariappa College, Madikeri, Dr.Karunakara N.V., highlighted Kodi’s contribution to Arebhashe literature. He said Kodi’s Arebhashe Mahabharata, based on Pampa’s Bharata, reflected both his scholarship and originality.
Karunakara said Kodi brought the lives and experiences of Arebhashe community into his writings and made the language more accessible. Recalling his interactions with Kodi, he said his philosophy was that rather than criticising another person’s work, one should strive to produce something better and more accurate.
He also explained aspects of Arebhashe grammar and pronunciation with examples, stressing that the foundation laid by Kodi Kushalappa Gowda must serve as the basis for further research and development of the language.
Programme convenor Gopal Peraje delivered the introductory remarks and welcomed the gathering, while academy member Chandravathi Baddadka proposed the vote of thanks. Members Chandrashekar Peralu and Dr. N.A. Gyanesh were present on the dais. Poojashree Vitesh Kodi compered the programme.
Join our WhatsApp Group for News and Article Alerts
