Mysore/Mysuru: Kannada Rajyotsava awardee Prof. C. Naganna, writer and former University of Mysore (UoM) Prasaranga Director, was warmly felicitated at a programme organised under the joint aegis of Samanate-Swabhimana- Swavalambane Pratishtana and Samanate Prakashana, Mysuru, at Vishwajnani auditorium, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre in Manasagangothri campus here yesterday.

Chamarajanagar MP V. Sreenivasa Prasad, who spoke after inaugurating the programme, said that no language can be equal to the language that comes from the womb of the mother. Stressing on the need for getting education in one’s mother tongue, Prasad said that Kannadigas should become more self-esteemed, especially in these days when Kannada is facing threats from other languages.

Underlining the need for unity and integrity whenever Karnataka faces threats in respect of land, water and language, he said that only a non-party and relentless movement can help achieve the desired results that Kannadigas should duly get.

The MP also emphasised on the need for making Kannada mandatory in administration, Lower Courts proceedings and primary education in the State.

Stating that the erstwhile Mysore State was renamed as Karnataka by the then Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs in 1973, Prasad said, it is a matter of joy  for every Kannadiga when the State is celebrating the Golden Jubilee (Suvarna Sambhrama) of its naming as Karnataka.

He also highlighted that Kannada has been granted the Classical Language status and 8 Kannada writers have bagged the prestigious Jnanpith Award. Perhaps no other language has got this many Jnanpith awards, he added.

Prasad congratulated Prof. C. Naganna for having received the Rajyotsava award (2023) in the Literature category. Prof. Naganna should have been conferred with the award years ago, he added.

Former Kannada faculty Prof. N.S. Taranath delivered the felicitation address. Prof. C. Naganna was felicitated.

Dr. Kalyanasiri Bhanteji of Vishwamaitri Buddha Vihar, Mysuru, graced the occasion.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, Pratishtana Hon. President Dr. Neelagiri Talwar, President Prof. C. Basavaraju, Secretary Dr. Mullur Nanjundaswamy, senior RSS leader M. Venkatram, former Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Chairman C. Basavegowda and others were present.