To give awards in memory of Kodava literary greats

Gonikoppa:  With the Kodava Sahitya Academy completing 25 years, the Academy will be conducting a two-day programme at Cauvery College in Gonikoppa, Kodagu on June 8 and 9.

Addressing a meeting of the Academy here on Friday, Academy Chairman Pemmanda K. Ponnappa said that when Dr. M. Veerappa Moily was the Chief Minister, he had set-up Tulu, Kodava and Konkani Sahitya Academies in 1994 giving importance to regional languages. Now with the completion of 25 years, the Academy proposes to organise a host of cultural programmes during which Kodava writers and achievers will be felicitated, he said.

Kendra Sahitya Academy member Addanda Cariappa in his address underlined the need for organising a seminar to press for including Kodava Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Pointing out that inviting renowned litterateurs like Prof. Chandrashekar Kambara, Dr. Siddalingaiah and Prof. Doddarangegowda would add more punch to the seminar, he said that decisions on promoting Kodava language and literature may as well be taken up.

Emphasising on the need for instituting awards and prizes in the name of Kodava literary greats — Haradasa Appacha Kavi and Dr. I.M. Muthanna, Cariappa said that such awards will be a big inspiration for any writer. He also gave suggestions on organising the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Kodava Sahitya Academy in a more meaningful and purposeful manner.