Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that scholar and writer Fa.Gu. Halakatti sold his house and other assets for resurrection of Vachana Sahitya, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) Director Dr. Vijayakumari S. Karikal observed that Government support held key for global promotion of Vachana Sahitya.

She was speaking at Halakatti’s birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Vachana Sahitya Samrakshana Day, organised jointly by the District Administration, Kannada and Culture Department and KIKS at B.M. Shri auditorium in KIKS premises at Manasagangothri here yesterday.

Pointing out that Halakatti, who is fondly remembered as ‘Vachana Pitamaha,’ made enormous contribution for resurrection of Vachana Sahitya, Dr. Vijayakumari said that it is laudable that the Government is celebrating the great scholar’s birth anniversary as ‘Vachana Sahitya Samrakshana Day’ for the first time.

Highlighting the contributions of Halakatti, she said that the scholar visited almost every village to collect manuscripts that contained Vachana Sahitya literature. Noting that he also took great pains to publish many of them, she said that Halakatti is credited with 46 works on Vachana Sahitya.

KIKS faculty Dr. S.D. Shashikala, in her keynote address, stressed on the need for carrying forward Halakatti’s thoughts and works to next generations.

Earlier, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Halakatti.

Kannada and Culture Department Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Assistant Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan and others were present.