By Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jul 5: The Kannada language and culture are flourishing in Mumbai, thanks to the dedicated efforts of academic institutions and cultural organisations, said noted entrepreneur and Kannada patron Ravindranath M Bhandary, speaking at a vibrant literary and academic gathering on Saturday.

Bhandari was addressing students and guests at the Kannada Certificate Course convocation and a memorial tribute to acclaimed Kannada poet Dr H S Venkateshamurthy (HSV), held at the JP Naik Hall of Mumbai University’s Vidyanagari campus in Kalina.

“The atmosphere at Mumbai University is truly energising. Every time I attend a programme here, I feel inspired to return,” Bhandary said. “Organisations like Chinnara Bimba and the Kannada Department of Mumbai University are doing outstanding work in promoting Kannada in the city. More and more people are learning Kannada, which is a testimony to their efforts. Today, the language and its culture are thriving in Mumbai,” he said.

Bhandary, also a former president of Bantaravani magazine and convenor of the Bantara Sangha’s Central Mumbai committee, expressed pride in the academic contribution of the Kannada Department and praised it for nurturing new literary talent through structured learning.

He distributed certificates to successful students of the university’s Kannada Certificate Course and congratulated them on their achievement.

Tributes paid to literary giant Dr HSV

The event also featured a heartfelt memorial to Dr H S Venkateshamurthy, one of Karnataka’s most beloved poets, who passed away recently.

A moving musical tribute of his poems was rendered by artistes Shailaja Amarnath Shetty and Vimala Devadiga, while Dr Poornima Sudhakar Shetty, Assistant Professor of Kannada, and research scholars Surekha Hariprasad Shetty, Nalina Prasad, and Anita Takode interpreted and presented his literary works.

Presiding over the event, Dr G N Upadhya, Head of the Kannada Department, reflected on HSV’s legacy: “Dr HSV was a master of all literary forms. His poetic journey was marked by elegance and depth. He remains an inspiration for students and readers alike,” he said.

Dr Upadhya also paid rich tribute to the late Dr G D Joshi, a revered writer, educationist, and organiser in Mumbai's Kannada literary scene, praising his lifelong commitment to Kannada language and literature.

Guests felicitated for their support

Special guests Bellampalli Balakrishna Hegde and Shetty Krishnaraj Shetty were present and acknowledged for their continued support of Kannada literary initiatives.

In recognition of his enduring contribution to Kannada in Mumbai, Ravindranath M Bhandari was felicitated on behalf of Mumbai University’s Kannada Department.

The programme was anchored by Dr Poornima S Shetty, who also delivered the vote of thanks.