Belagavi
A high-level team from the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) visited Rani Channamma University in Belagavi on Friday to assess how the institution supports and promotes Kannada. The visit aimed to understand the university’s role in Kannada teaching, research, and the overall development of the language.
The delegation was led by KDA Chairman Dr. Purushottama Bilimale, accompanied by KDA Secretary Dr. Santosh Hanagal, member Dakshayini Huded, and Karnataka Border Area Development Authority member Ashok Chandargi.
During the meeting, the team discussed key issues such as the use of Kannada in academics, faculty shortages, student concerns, library resources, and ongoing research projects. They engaged with faculty to gather feedback and suggestions.
Dr. Bilimale highlighted that Kannada represents a living culture, not just a language, and said universities play a key role in preserving it. He praised the university’s work and assured full KDA support. He also encouraged scholars to write science-related Ph.D. theses in simple Kannada to make them accessible to school students, promising to help publish such efforts.
Dr. Hanagal emphasized KDA’s ongoing mission to strengthen Kannada at the academic level and instill a strong sense of linguistic identity in students.
Member Dakshayini Huded stressed the importance of including more women and rural students in Kannada studies. She proposed designing special projects for them and urged the university to participate in upcoming KDA programs.
VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.M. Thyagaraj welcomed the collaboration and expressed readiness to work with KDA. He shared plans to conduct research on regional icons, produce Kannada plays, and install a statue of Kittur Chennamma, reflecting the university's commitment to preserving local heritage and language.