Literature has the power to shape a better human being, and a person without a taste for literature is like an animal, said noted medical writer Dr. Nadibailu Udayashankar.
He was speaking at the launch of the “Your Talent – Our Platform” cultural programmes organized by the Kodagu unit of the Samartha Kannadigaru Organization at Omkara Sadan in Madikeri.
Dr. Udayashankar said that a love for literature cultivates good qualities and helps one become a good citizen. He noted that many people proficient in the Kannada language, which has a rich culture and literary tradition, occupy prestigious positions across the world. He added that Kannadigas have excelled in literature, sports, politics, society, and culture.
Expressing concern about the younger generation’s lack of literary awareness,
Dr. Udayashankar emphasized the need for cultural platforms like these to convey the literary and cultural significance of Karunadu to children.
Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Principal Major B. Raghava said Kannada is the 29th most widely used language in the world and urged everyone to take the initiative to preserve it by speaking and using Kannada in daily life. He observed that the improper use of Kannada in recent films was damaging the language and must be stopped. He suggested that Kannada should be promoted more widely, especially in English-medium schools, and said that student cultural programmes should serve as platforms to showcase talent rather than just as competitions.
Anand Degganahalli, State General Coordinator of Samatha Kannadigaru Sanstha, said that since its establishment in 2017, the organization has been fostering love for culture and literature through hundreds of programmes across Karnataka.
Jayalakshmi, Coordinator of the Kodagu unit, said that in the past eight years, 14 major events have been organized in Kodagu, providing platforms to hundreds of talented individuals. She appealed for more public encouragement and support for such talent showcase programmes.
Savita Rakesh, a member of the organization, welcomed the gathering, and Shanti Achaiah proposed the vote of thanks. The event featured competitions in disguise, painting, singing, and group dance, which attracted enthusiastic participation from children.
