Jnanpith awardee V.K. Gokak enriched Kannada literature with his commendable works, Minister for Muzrai and Textile Rudrappa Lamani said in Haveri on Thursday.
He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a cultural hall built in memory of Gokak and releasing a pictorial volume on the late writer at Savanur in Haveri on Thursday.
Born in Savanur, which is known for communal harmony, Gokak took the Kannada language, art and culture across the country through his writings. Mr. Lamani expressed hope that the cultural hall would become a good platform for Kannada and cultural programmes.
Referring to the work of veteran journalist Patil Puttappa, who always “stands up for the cause of Kannada”, Mr. Lamani said it has been decided to name the cultural hall being built in Haveri city after Mr. Puttappa. The cultural hall is being built at a cost of ₹5 crore.
Recalling the contributions of Gokak to the Kannada literary field, veteran poet Chennaveera Kanavi expressed hope that the cultural hall would become a centre for research on Kannada and culture. He also suggested having a library of all the works of Gokak at the hall.
Mr. Puttappa, who is the chairman of the Dr. V.K. Gokak National Memorial Trust, stressed the need to make available to the public Gokak’s works as well as works related to Kannada and culture. The centre should be converted into a collection centre for such works, and should be developed into a centre of national fame, he said.
Presiding over the function, MLA and former Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that apart from his literary works, Gokak had endeared himself to the people through his generosity. And he served for the cause of Kannada language till his last breath, he said.
