Mysore/Mysuru: Voicing his criticism over the functioning of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK), writer and retired professor of Bangalore University Prof. Rajappa  Dalavayi said that the Centre just wasted its time in debating  over several years, the issue  of its location, either at Bengaluru or Mysuru, rather than engaging itself in doing pro-Kannada activities.

He was speaking after releasing a research essay Kadalolagina Kidigalu, autho-red by D.B. Pavithra at a fun-ction held at city’s Centre of Studies in Classical Kannada, Manasagangothri on Hunsur road in the city, on Sunday.

“Centres of Studies in Classical Tamil and Telugu languages have attained autonomous status from the Centre of Indian Institute of Classical Languages and are working independently. Both have published many research books in their respective language centres. But, no such progress is seen at the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada. The Centre wasted its time in discussing about the venue of the proposed Centre,” regretted Prof. Rajappa Dalavayi.

Stating that the Department of Kannada and Culture has appointed him as a member of Ranga Samaja, he said that if the Samaja convenes a meeting, he will certainly demand  the State Government to develop this Centre by granting more funds.

Narrating an incident to emphasise that even ordinary people are interested in literature, Prof. Rajappa Dalavayi said a man by name Chittaranjan, who migrated from Bangladesh was earning his livelihood in Kolkatta by pedalling a cycle rickshaw.” One day senior writer Mahashweta called Chittaranjan to reach  home in his cycle rickshaw. But Chittaranjan, asks the writer to look for another as he was reading a book. When Mahashweta  comes  back to Chittaranjan after failing to find another, he asked Chittaranjan which book he was reading during his journey with Chittaranjan to his house.

Chittranjan replies that he was reading a novel written by Mahashweta and explains his favourite incident in the book. Then writer Mahashweta introduces himself, appreciates his interest and invites Chittaranjan to his house whenever he is free. Following this, Chittranjan became  popular among the people, entered politics and was elected MLA after winning the State Assembly elections on a TMC ticket, explained Prof. Rajappa Dalavayi.

Hampi  Kannada University Professor Dr. Madhav Peraje spoke about the book.

Rupa Publishing House’s U.S.Mahesh, Planning Director of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada  Prof. N.M. Talwar, Holenarasipur Government Women’s Science College professor Dr. Chikkamagalur Ganesh were present at the book release function.