Moodbidri: Alva’s Nudisiri – 2009 Off to a Grand Start at Picturesque Vidyagiri
Report by Shekar Ajekar
Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (RD/SP)
Moodbidri, Nov 6: Dr Hampa Nagarajaiah (Hampana), renowned Kannada researcher and president of Alva’s Nudisiri – 2009, while presiding over the inaugural ceremony, held himself strongly against a section of the people, which is against singing of the national anthem at programmes and functions. Noting that the union government has not reacted to this opposition, Dr Hampa commended a few Muslim organizations for opposing the lobby of some vested interests.
“English is essential in the post-globalization scenario. At the same time, studying Kannada language along with English is also extremely important. In the past, syllabi used to lay equal emphasis on learning English and Kannada, at the same time, providing an option of choosing Sanskrit as an alternative language instead of Kannada. Some of the talented students used to choose Sanskrit and get far better ranks by opting for this language, purely with the purpose of securing higher marks. Meanwhile, in the post-Independence era, Hindi got the position of a compulsory subject as third language. In the present syllabus, English serves as the main subject, which works to the detriment to the growth of Kannada. It would be a better practice to impart education in the mother tongue, while continuing to retain English as a language. There can be no two opinions over the diseirability of providing education in mother tongue,” he stressed.
Until recently, the Kannada medium schools had significant strength of students, while the trend changed thereafter. At present, more and more students take interest to study in English medium schools. The boom in information technology and revolution in communications, apart from the electronic gadgets that have become globally relevant, have won over the minds of the younger generation, as a result of which, English is ruling the roost in the education sector, he remarked.
There is an apprehension that the Indian languages will get washed away in the tsunami of English. There is an emergent need for the intellectuals to avoid this from happening, by finding suitable alternative ways to save our language, he opined.
Veteran Kannada poet, Dr N S Laxminarayan Bhatta, in his inaugural address, said that at last, the whole world is gradually leading towards harmonious coexistence. Religious tolerance among the multitude of Indians belonging to diverse cultures and religions can only be found in India. Kannada is the oldest among the Indian languages, about which every Kannadiga should be proud of, Dr Laxminarayan said.
MLA Abayachandra Jain, progressive farmer Mijarguttu Anand Alva, former state minister Amarnath Shetty, and Alva’s Education Foundation director Jayalaxmi Shetty were present at the dais.
Alva’s Education Foundation chairman, Dr M Mohan Alva, welcomed the gathering. Kannada lecturer Venugopal compered the programme.
# Alvas Nudi Siri – 2009 chairperson Dr Hampa Nagarajayya completed his presidential speech five minutes ahead of the time allotted to him.
# The great ancient Kannada litterateur Pampa, inspired me to follow his path of humility and humbleness, said Dr Hampana.
The grand procession that was resplendent with the rich Tulunadu culture, including Yakshagana artistes and Huliveshas, arrived majestically from the main arch to the venue.