Mysuru: “Culture, language and folkloric heritage are the lifelines of every community and continuous efforts must be made to document them and pass them on to future generations,” opined writer and DIG (Intelligence) Dr. Dharanidevi Malagatti.

She was speaking at the  re-release of  books ‘Karnatakada Koracharu’ and  ‘Kudr Vaatakata’ programme organised by Bengaluru-based Negila Yogi Trust at  B.V. Karanth Ranga Chavadi in Rangayana premises here recently.

“Works like these that document the history, various dimensions of life, culture, language and oral traditions of the Koracha community act like a ‘Sanjeevini’ (lifeline) from the perspective of social history. Literature of this kind, which documents the identity, linguistic richness and cultural heritage of marginalised communities, should reach all sections of society,” she said.

Writer and cultural thinker Prof. M.S. Shekhar was the chief guest. Writer and folklore researcher Prof. Kalegowda Nagavara presided over the event.

Prof. Rajappa Dalavayi, Chairman of the Wholesale Purchase Committee of the Library Department, in his introductory remarks, explained the objective of the programme and the background of the books.

Dr. R. Santhosh Naik, Director of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), spoke about ‘Karnatakada Koracharu’ and said that documenting the long history, social transitions and diverse life dimensions of the Koracha community in the form of a book is highly commendable.

Rohith Agasarahalli, lecturer at the Government PU College in Hassan, presented his thoughts on ‘Kudr Vaatakata.’ He detailed the uniqueness and linguistic importance of Koracha language and highlighted the need to document in writing a language that has largely survived only in oral tradition.

Malathi delightfully narrated the story of Lord Buddha in Koracha language. Later, Trishan Santhosh added grace to the event by reading the Preamble of the Constitution of India in the Koracha language. Prior to this, a documentary depicting the life, culture and lifestyle of the Koracha community was screened.

The event also featured cultural and ideological readings  in  Koracha language, which drew the audience’s attention.

Author Dr. H.R. Swamy was present. Arasikere Yogananda hosted the programme.

Several dignitaries, theatre personalities, literary enthusiasts, researchers and friends of Dr. H.R. Swamy, including Prof. K.C. Basavaraj, retired Professors Appajigowda and Mangala, Niranthara Foundation’s Srinivas Palahalli, M.M. Suguna, K.S. Prasad, Dr. S. Narendrakumar, Dr. J. Somanna, Dr. Bislehalli Prabhu, Nele Gopalakrishna, Rangayana Director Satish Tiptur, former Director H. Janardhan (Janni) and Nanda Halemane, attended the event.