Mysuru:  Kendra Kannada Sahitya Salaha Samiti Member and senior theatre personality Addanda C. Cariappa and his wife Anitha Cariappa, a theatre artiste, were conferred ‘Dakshina Kesari’ award by MP Pratap Simha at the Kannada Rajyotsava programme organised by Lions Club of Mysore South at Golf Club in city yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Pratap Simha recalled Addanda Cariappa’s role in his (Simha) victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Recalling that thousands of Kodavas had thanked him for his article in State-level newspaper opposing veteran writer Ko. Channabasappa’s alleged derogatory articles on the community ahead of the 2014 LS polls.

Pointing out that Kodavas played a key-role in his victory in the 2014 LS polls, he opined that Addanda Cariappa’s strategy helped him a lot in winning the elections. Noting that Addanda Cariappa and his wife Anitha were greatly influenced by Appachha Kavi, the MP said that the couple has been spreading Kodava culture across the country.

Recalling the gallantry of Kodavas, he said that 26 Kodavas had gained top positions in the Indian Army till now and there were many Kodavas serving the Army in lower ranks.

Observing that Kodavas have made a mark in almost every field, the MP recounted how Kodavas starred off Tipu Sultan’s attack on Kodagu.

Highlighting the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar for the development of Mysuru, Simha said that it would not be wrong to say that Kannada has survived because of the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru.

Regretting that Mysuru remained backward because of the vested interests of some politicians, he said that although Mysuru had earned a big name in Tourism, it lacked in terms of development and this was because of the vested interests of a few politicians.

Highlighting his achievements as an MP, Pratap Simha said that expansion of Naganahalli Railway Station, Development of Mysore Airport in Mandakalli, promotion of Industries and many other works were among his contributions to Mysuru-Kodagu LS Constituency.

Addanda Cariappa, in his address, observed that an organised struggle holds key for saving Kannada from the onslaught of other languages.

Pointing out that there is a general feeling that the Kannada Development Authority, which is supposed to promote Kannada across the State, had restricted itself to Vidhana Soudha, he criticised the Government’s move to celebrate certain unnecessary Jayantis.

He also lashed out at the Government for showing disinterest for celebrating the Jayanti of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who has contributed immensely for the development of the State.

Noting that he was delighted to be conferred ‘Dakshina Kesari’ award, he said that the conferment of the award had added more responsibility on him for taking up the cause of Kannada.

Lions Club of Mysore South President K.K. Mohan, MP Pratap Simha’s wife Arpita Simha, Ln. Nagaraj V. Bairy, Ln. G.S. Santosh, Ln. M. Tataji and others were present.