Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Oct 31: Kannada Bhavana represents the pride of Kannada literary enthusiasts. Sadly, it has encountered problems in the form of coronavirus infection. Foundation stone for the Bhavana had been laid several years back. Even though the construction work was resumed, the work has not been completed because of shortage of grant. The hope that the building might be inaugurated on this Kannada Rajyotsava has been dashed. For want of funds, the construction work has been suspended.
Bantwal Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishad took up the construction work of Kannada Bhavana near Kaikunje with the aim of having a well-equipped building for holding literary activities. In spite of shortage of grants, work amounting to Rs 60 lac has been completed and more funds are required to complete the remaining works.
Kannada Bhavana is being built in an eight cents plot and coming up in 4,000 sq ft. In the upper storey, a hall with capacity to seat 250 people besides dais, greenroom and toilet have been built. On the ground floor, two shops have been built to meet building maintenance costs.
A delegation of the taluk committee of Kannada Sahitya Parishad has already requested MLA Rajesh Naik Ulippadyguthu, district in-charge minister and others for more grants. As Mangaluru assembly constituency also has jurisdiction in Bantwal taluk, MLA U T Khader, has also been requested. The state Kannada Sahitya Parishad has donated ten lac rupees, and the then minister B Ramanath Rai, had given grant of five lac rupees. Many other donors have also extended help.
In addition to government grants, requests for grants from other companies had been made through the MP. The Kannada and culture department has not given any money. Rs 25 lac would be required for the balance work and furniture.
Foundation stone for the building was laid in the year 2000 by minister Rani Sathish, to commemorate the 11th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan. President of Kannada Bhavana Construction Committee, Koake Gangadhar Bhat, says that teams have been set up and team members toured different villages to pool funds. He says that Rs 25 lac more would be required to complete all works. B Mohan Rao, Bantwal taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishad, says that if the Border Area development authority releases a fund of Rs 10 lac as promised, work can begin.