Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jul 27: The Kundapra Kannada Study Chair was officially inaugurated on Saturday, July 26, during the two-day ‘Kundapra Kannada Habba – 2025’ held at Nandi Link Grounds near NICE Road Junction, Hosakerehalli.
Former MP and committee member K Jayaprakash Hegde, speaking on the occasion, called on the community to strengthen the initiative by collecting and preserving linguistic resources of the Kundapra Kannada dialect. He recalled that the demand for establishing the Chair was first raised during a Kundapra Kannada Habba held four years ago. The proposal later received the approval of the Mangalore University Syndicate and the state government. Chief minister Siddaramaiah subsequently sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the initiative.
Hegde urged people to document unique vocabulary used by village elders and women, highlighting earlier contributions like the Kundagannada dictionary by Panju Gangolli and a mobile app developed by music director Ravi Basrur. He also hinted at a formal inauguration of the Chair in Kundapura in the near future.
Kundapura MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi lauded the establishment of the Chair, stating it would play a key role in preserving and promoting the regional dialect. Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole expressed hope that a dedicated Kundapra Kannada Bhavana would soon be constructed in Kundapura.
A highlight of the inaugural event was the launch of the Kundagannada Digital Dictionary app by Ravi Basrur, featuring over 9,000 words from the dialect.
Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, was conferred the Oora Gaurava award in recognition of his contributions to healthcare and his deep ties to Kundapur. “Kundapura holds a special place in my heart,” he said, emphasizing that promoting one's language means embracing linguistic diversity—not disrespecting others.
The Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana submitted a set of demands to the government, including the construction of a modern Kundapra Kannada Bhavana in Kundapura, establishment of a medical college in the town, development of an airport in Byndoor, and support for Kundapura-origin hoteliers and small entrepreneurs based in Bengaluru.
The second day of the celebrations, Sunday, July 27, will feature a valedictory ceremony with dignitaries including deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, MRG Group CMD Prakash Shetty, actor-director Rishab Shetty, journalist Jogi (Girish Rao), Universal Group’s Upendra Shetty, and actors Pramod Shetty, Praveer Shetty, and Shine Shetty.
Cultural events will begin at 9:30 am and include a devotional concert by Dr Vidyabhushana (Pillangoviya Cheluva Krishnana), Yakshagana by children (Baalagopala), a Kundapra Kannada quiz hosted by Manu Handaadi, a youth fashion show (Chandamudi), and a poetic tribute (Kaalinga-Kaalinga) featuring the works of Kaalinga Navada and P Kaalingarayaru. The evening will conclude with a live concert by Raghu Dixit and felicitation of “Clean Kundapura” and “Save Our Ocean” campaigns.
Among the many dignitaries present were Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Karnataka Hotel Owners’ Association president G K Shetty, VL Group MD Anjali Vijay, AS Groups MD Satish Shetty, Mangalore University registrar Raju Mogaveera, Lifeline Tender Chicken MD Kishore Hegde, and office-bearers of Kundapra Kannada Pratishtana: honorary president Uday Hegde, president Dr Deepak Shetty Barkur, vice president Narasimha Beejadi, secretary Raghavendra Kanchan, joint secretary Ajith Shetty Ulthoor, and treasurer Vijay Shetty Haladi.