Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that India was the first country to visualize the concept of Universities, former Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Chidanandagowda said that the establishment of Nalanda and Takshashila Universities goes to prove this.

He was speaking after inaugurating the nine-day Kannada Book Festival organised by  Bengaluru’s Rashtrothana Sahitya Parishat at Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry on Vinoba Road in the city yesterday.

Asserting that the concept of Universities did not start from America or Europe, Prof. Chidanandagowda said that Nalanda had a University centuries ago that featured may libraries and study rooms.  Unfortunately, this University was destroyed by Mohammadiya rulers, he said.

Stating that many students of the country are going abroad for higher studies, he said that students from more than 15 countries used to come to India for studies in the past. Observing that reading rooms and libraries will bring peace to the minds of people, he stressed for focussing more on academics and research, with help from books.

Book Festival Organising Secretary Srihari in his address, said that an increase in the number of readers is vital for the growth of a language. Noting that the gifting books should become the norm, he said that the readers are crucial for the success of book melas. Emphasising on the need for promoting reading habits among the public, Srihari said that there is a 30 percent rebate on books published by Rashtrothana Sahitya Parishat.

Veteran RSS leader M. Venkataramu released writer Sheshadri’s work ‘Prabandha Sanchaya’ on the occasion. Book festival Organising Committee members Srinath, Pruthvi, Prasad, Bhagyashri and others were present.

The Book Fest concludes on Nov. 28 and will be open on all days from 11 am to 9 pm.