Mysuru:  Expressing concern that the love for English among parents are depriving their wards from learning Kannada, noted writer Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balekundri said that it was really unfortunate that Kannada is being neglected by Kannadigas alone.

She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Sahityayaana Roopaka, Gangothri Kavigoshti (Poets’ Meet) and Dr. Ha.Ma. Nayak  Endowment Prize Distribution programme organised as part of Rajyotsava at Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS), Manasagangothri here yesterday.

Quoting a recent Archaeological Survey of India report which said that Kannada has a long history of over 10,000 years, when it is widely believed that the language has a history of 2,500 years, Dr. Vijayalakshmi bemoaned that Kannada which has such a very long history, seems to be battling for survival now, as the number of speakers are dipping by the day.

Stating that a recent survey said that over ten lakh children  in Bengaluru are deprived of learning Kannada as most schools in the State capital do not teach Kannada, she expressed deep disappointment that many children of the present generation do not know Kannada alphabets. 

Recalling the role of great personalities and luminaries who built Kannada over the years, she rued that their efforts are not being carried forward by the current generation.

Dr. Ha.Ma. Nayak Endowment Prizes were awarded to C.M. Ashwini and D. Karthik, toppers in Kannada MA, Onim Bina Devi, topper in Linguistics, Antara De, topper in Folklore Studies and Lava, topper in South Indian Studies, on the occasion.

The event also featured a host of cultural programmes and a Poets’ Meet. Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) Director Dr. Neelagiri Talwar, faculty Prof. N.K. Lolakshi and Prof. M. Nanjaiah Honganur and poet from Bagalkot Siddappa Bidari were present.