Mysore/Mysuru: “Whenever Karnataka faces threat to its land, language and water, Kannadigas  must unitedly fight setting aside all the differences,” opined Chamarajanagar MP V. Sreenivasa Prasad.

He was speaking at a felicitation programme to honour Prof. C. Naganna, who was recently conferred Kannada Rajyotsava Award by State Government,  at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre, Manasagangothri in the city recently. The programme was jointly organised by Samanate, Swabhimana, SwavalambanePratishtana and SamanatePrakashana.

“No other language can match the language that come out of our mother’s womb. Understanding this significance, the use of Kannada must be made mandatory in Court and general administration. The Primary Education in Kannada medium must be made compulsory,”    said Sreenivasa Prasad.

Stating that Kannada, which has a history of over two thousand years, has got Classical Language status, the MP said “Central Government has accorded Classical Language status to Kannada because of the long and rich heritage of our language.” Language is a very sensitive issue and any minor lapse will incite people, who will hit back. The Gokak Movement  in 1980s included, there are many instances of similar protests and agitations to protect the interest of the Kannadigas, said Prasad.

He  expressed his happiness that Prof.Naganna has been rightly bestowed with the Rajyotsava award and felt that he should have been given the award much earlier.

Prof.Naganna and his wife were felicitated by MP Prasad on the occasion.  Dr.KalyanasiriBhanteji  ofVishwaMaithri Buddha Vihar presided.  Senior Scholar Dr. N.S. Taranath, Maddikere Gopal, Prof.Basavaraj  and Dr. Mullur Nanjundaswamy were present.