Raghu Kautilya to appeal Govt.

Mysore/Mysuru: D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation Chairman and senior BJP leader R. Raghu Kautilya said that the Government will be appealed to build a Memorial for renowned Kannada Novelist Ta.Ra. Subbarao (TaRaSu) at Yadavagiri in the city where he stayed.

He was speaking at TaRaSu birth centenary celebrations organised by TaRaSu Birth Centenary Celebration Committee at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI) on JLB Road here yesterday.

Noting that the residence of acclaimed English Novelist R.K. Narayan at Yadavagiri has been converted into a Memorial, Raghu said that it is unfortunate that the residence of Kannada Novelist TaRaSu, which is also located at Yadavagiri, remains in a state of neglect. Now that the BJP Government is in power, he will take up the issue with the Government, Raghu added.

Recalling that a joint declaration by Kuvempu and TaRaSu during the Gokak Movement  in early eighties got a big turn in Mysuru when Kannada Thespian Dr. Rajkumar decided to jump into the Movement, Raghu said that though TaRaSu was a native of Chitradurga district, he made Mysuru his home. Raghu further said that the renowned Kannada novelist was known for his humbleness and simplicity.

Pointing out that TaRaSu, who resided in Yadavagiri, despite his illness, wrote ‘Durgasthamaana’ novel, which bagged Kendra Sahitya Academy Award, Raghu regretted that such a talented writer did not get Jnanpith Award.

Contending that Kannada is a must in all spheres of life in Karnataka, Raghu recalled the commitment of an International airlines for Kannada, where Singapore Airlines, based on his written request for making Kannada announcements along with English on its flights to Bengaluru, introduced the same, taking note of the sentiments of the people  of Karnataka.

He called upon Kannadigas to show total commitment for Kannada land and language, no matter wherever they are.

Touching upon the issue of federal structure, Raghu opined that languages spoken in border areas must be introduced as the third language of the State instead of Hindi.

He maintained that the State’s federal structure will get strengthened if people living in the borders learn Kannada along with other local dialects.

He also said that Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa is committed for promoting Kannada at all costs.

Earlier, Kannada Chaluvali leader and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj inaugurated the programme by offering floral tributes to a portrait of TaRaSu. Former MLA Vasu presided.

TaRaSu Birth Centenary Celebration Committee President and Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, TaRaSu Birth Centenary Celebration Committee Hon. President D.T. Prakash, social worker K. Raghuram Vajpayee, Udayagiri Kannada Sangha President and former District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Maddikere Gopal and others were present.