‘Kannada must receive highest recognition in Karnataka,’ says professor at Karnataka university

Senior writer and cultural thinker Professor K. Maralusiddappa maintained that Kannada should be given the highest recognition and warned that mere government patronage would not be enough to strengthen the language.

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Addressing the 34th convocation (Nudi Habba) of Kannada University in Hampi held at ‘Navaranga’ open air theater in Vidyaranya campus on 24 February, Prof. Maralusiddappa said the idea of ​​building an egalitarian society largely depends on strengthening government schools. He observed that in rural Karnataka, government schools function not only as educational institutions but also as cultural centers of village life and are vital in achieving the social objectives enshrined in the Constitution.

While admitting that no one could object to learning English as a language, he cautioned against promoting English as the medium of education at the expense of regional languages. Referring to the government’s move to convert nearly 700 schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) or ‘magnet schools’, he expressed concern over reports that neighboring village primary schools may be closed permanently to consolidate resources. If such decisions led to the closure of local schools, he said, it would be a reactionary step.

Prof. Maralusiddappa also questioned whether the true spirit of federalism was supported in the country. Although the Constitution recognizes India as a Union of States, he said decentralization was the lifeblood of federalism and echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Gram Swaraj. However, he noted that governance in independent India is increasingly moving towards centralization and a ‘high command’ culture prevails among political parties.

‘Contribute to nation building’

In his presidential address, Governor and Chancellor Thaawar Chand Gehlot urged him to pursue a Ph.D. As India moves towards becoming a developed country by 2047, postgraduates will also contribute to nation building. He said India was ready to emerge as a ‘Vishwa guru’ and urged educated youth to apply their knowledge for the development of the country.

The Governor emphasized the need to promote knowledge of Kannada at the national and international levels and suggested translation of valuable Kannada works into Hindi and English. He said Kannada University should take the lead in bringing the intellectual richness of the language to a wider audience. Noting that the university’s publishing wing has published more than 1,700 books, he said more efforts should be made to make important Kannada works accessible outside the state.

Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar, who conferred the Ph.D. The winners said that the issue of faculty and administrative staff shortage at the university would be discussed with the Prime Minister. He acknowledged the financial constraints and said the government has extended support, including payment of pending electricity dues and approval of additional ₹2 crore grant this year. He added that a subcommittee of the Cabinet was examining the broader financial and staffing problems facing universities.

Vice Rector Prof. DV Paramashivamurthy welcomed the meeting and highlighted the achievements of the university. Registrar Prof. Virupaksha Pujarahalli, Director of Academics Prof. Amaresh Yatagal and other senior officials were present.

Author C. Mahadevappa and State Information Commissioner HC Sathyan were conferred the honorary title of Nadoja during the meeting. G. Ramakrishna, another writer and communist leader chosen for this honor, did not attend the ceremony.