Curtains down on Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

HAVERI: On Sunday, the 86th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which had been deferred for two years following Covid and other reasons, concluded on a high note by emphasising that Kannada is a language that is not only practical but can also survive and grow by adopting technological advancements.
In response to Sammelana president Doddarange Gowda's objections to discrimination by the union government in sanctioning funds, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the Union government has released Rs 13.30 crore for works related to the classical status of the Kannada language.
“We will form a high-level committee and implement all recommendations. We will ensure 100% funding for such projects," the CM said. He also added that the government is planning to set up a research centre in Mysuru and is ready to provide all financial assistance for the same.
Sammelana president Doddarange Gowda had expressed his disappointment over government’s negligence in sanctioning funds for works related to classical status for Kannada. On Friday, during the opening ceremony, he demanded that the government drop cases against Kannada activists. In response, Bommai said he had withdrawn cases during his tenure as home minister. He said the process is under way to withdraw pending cognizable cases.
The CM also assured that the government will start a Kannada learning campaign for non-Kannadigas residing in Karnataka. “We have sanctioned Rs 25 crore for Border development authority and we will provide additional funds of Rs 100 crore to ensure better facilities for Kannadigas living in border areas. We will provide pension for pro-Kannada fighters residing in neighbouring states, on the lines of the Karnataka unification movement,” he stated.
Bommai also said he will sanction Rs 3 crore for the construction of a sahitya bhavan in Haveri. He suggested the Kannada Sahitya Parishat use it for the study of North Karnataka Kannada. “The Parishat should develop it as a Kannada folk research centre in association with Karnataka folklore university, Gotgodi,” he said.