For more than 40 years, Prof Doddarange Gowda, who was on Friday named president of the 86th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana to be held in Haveri from February 26 through 28, has through the numerous songs he has penned for Kannada films been the source of joy for crores of Kannadigas. Among the most versatile figures of contemporary Kannada literature, Prof Doddarange Gowda, in a freeweheeling chat with TOI, held forth on a broad range of issues from language and culture to the state of the nation. Excerpts:
Where do you stand vis-à-vis imposition of Hindi?
There is no question about our having to give highest priority to learning and promoting Kannada. It is our responsibility to preserve our mother tongue. But I have no objection to learning Hindi as a language, and we must be more favourable towards Hindi than towards English. In our state, it is English that is given most importance but our national language is not regarded as highly. Let me clarify that I am no spokesperson for Hindi.
Do you think banning of books is a healthy development? The government recently dropped ‘Rama Mandira Yeke Beda’ by KS Bhagavan...
Indians feel an emotional connect with Shri Rama, whom we call ‘Maryada Purushottama’. People will not easily accept mythical heroes being condemned. Recently, the Public Library Book Selection Committee, which I head, felt that the book ought to be on the shelves of public libraries. Although it is hurtful of people’s sentiments, we must have books that offer readers multiple perspectives.
Does Doddarange Gowda lean Right?
As a college student, I was a disciple of Marxist thought. Later, I severed ties with that ideology and chose one that appears good to me. If I followed the ideology of the Left, I realised I would never become a good person. I am not concerned about speculation on which way I lean. I am acquainted with both ideologies and have chosen one that is better.