Mysuru:  Marking 110th birth anniversary of Jnanpith Award winner Dr. Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, Parampare, Mysuru in association with Vinayaka Krishna Gokakara Abhimanigala Balaga has organised a symposium on literary works of Dr. V.K. Gokak titled ‘Vinayaka Vagmaya Darshana,’ at Ganabharathi’s Veene Seshanna Bhavan, Kuvempunagar  on Dec. 29 from 10.30 am to 6 pm.

The programme will be inaugurated by Retired Deputy Director of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) Dr. B.B. Rajapurohit. Retired Secretary to the Government of India Anil Gokak (son of Dr. V.K. Gokak) will be the chief guest. Retired English Professor K.B. Prabhuprasad will preside.

The symposium will begin with a talk by Anil Gokak about life and works of Dr. V.K. Gokak at 11 am followed by ‘Gokakara Geetha Gaayana’ by vocalist Vidu. Indrani Ananthram at 11.45 am.

Assistant Kannada Professor Dr. Shailaja Koppar will deliver a lecture on the topic ‘Bharata Sindhu Rashmiyalli Samanvaya Prajne’ at 12.15 pm followed by a lecture on the topic ‘Gokakara Kadambari – Samarasave Jeevana’ by Retired Principal Prof. S.R. Ramesh at 1 pm.

In the afternoon session, retired English Professor H.R. Amarnath will deliver a lecture on ‘Pravadi mattu Bharata Sindhu Rashmi’ at 2.30 pm followed by Kavyavaachana of ‘Yami-Yamara Agnidivya’ (selected from Bharata Sindhu Rashmi) by Dr. Jyoti Shankar (Vyaakhyaana) and Gamaki K. Ramachandra (Vaachana) at 3.15 pm.

Retired Principal Dr. H.S. Umesh will speak about ‘Gokakara Natakagalu’ at 3.45 pm followed by a lecture ‘Gokakara Kavitegalu – Ondu Anusandhana’ by Dr. Santosh Chokkadi at 4.30 pm.

The valedictory function will be held at 5.15 pm. Rajyotsava Award winner and sculptor V.A. Deshapande will be felicitated on this occasion. Retired Principal of Banumaiah College Prof. S. Shivaji Jois will deliver the valedictory address. 

Eminent poet, creative writer

Born on 9th August 1909 at Savanur in Haveri district, Dr. V. K. Gokak was an eminent poet and a creative writer of not only Karnataka but also India. His father Krishnaraya was a lawyer. 

Gokak did his M.A. in English literature with first class and started his career as a lecturer in CSP College of Pune in Maharashtra. While working in Fergusson College, he was sent to Oxford University for higher education. He was the first Indian to get first class in Oxford University. 

After returning from England, he worked as Principal of Willingdon College of Sangli in Maharashtra. He also worked in Karnataka College of Dharwad where he came under the influence of famous poet Bendre. He worked in higher positions in Central Institute of English and Other Foreign Languages in Hyderabad and Central Institute of Higher Studies in Shimla. He was also appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University and Satya Sai Institution for Higher Studies.

Prof. Gokak, who was sent to many countries like Japan, USA, England and Belgium as cultural ambassador, has authored many works in English and Kannada. He was awarded Jnanpith in 1991 considering his outstanding contribution to Kannada literature for the period 1969-1984. It was for the first time the Jnanpith award was given to an author without mentioning any particular book. Prime Minister of India came to Mumbai to present the award to Prof. Gokak.

The Report by the Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gokak regarding language policy in education system of Karnataka became popular as ‘Gokak Report’ which made Kannada as the first language in High Schools.

— Kru. Ramachandra