Mysore/Mysuru: Writer Prof. Aravind Malagathi has suggested the State Government to establish a Kannada Research Academy for taking Kannada to much greater heights.

He was speaking after inaugurating Kannada Rajyotsava celebration and release of writer Dr. Shivakumar’s work ‘Vachana Bodhi’ at a programme organised at Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) in Manasagangothri here on Thursday.

Pointing out that Kannada needs new interpretations and analysis, he said that the establishment of such an Academy will be a right step in this direction.

Noting that several novels of Kannada are not found easily, Prof. Malagathi said that necessary measures must be taken to ensure that Kannada novels and books on Vachanas are available everywhere. The easy availability of books will also help in improvement of readership, he opined.

Asserting that Basavanna’s thoughts are like a flowing river and not stagnant water, he said that Vachanas are very much relevant even today and also for generations to come.

Observing that the nature of  interpretation of Vachanas is changing with the times, he said that, however, the meaning and crux of the Vachanas remain the same forever.

Maintaining that the Vachana Sahitya is like a treasure trove hidden in a cave, he said though it is difficult to go deep inside the cave, a lot of things about life can be understood from Vachanas.

Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the occasion.  Prof. Neelagiri M. Talwar, KIKS Director Prof. Vijayakumari Karikal, Bengaluru AKKA IAS Academy Head Dr. Shivakumar and others were present on the occasion.