Kannada identity surviving due to language organizations: Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi

Bengaluru

Former Kannada Book Authority Chairperson Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi emphasized that Kannada continues to thrive today primarily due to the efforts of Kannada-centric organizations. She was speaking at an event organized by the Kannada Sangharsha Samiti at BM Shri Kalabhavana in the city on Sunday.

The event marked the birth anniversaries of noted literary figures Dr. Anupama Niranjan and Dr. K.V. Ramakrishnegowda. Awards in their names were presented along with prizes for a short story competition.

Recalling a recent incident, Dr. Vasundhara highlighted the suspension of a teacher merely for responding in Kannada. She stated that Kannada organizations stepped in to resolve the matter, which demonstrates the critical role such collectives play in preserving the local language and culture.

Receiving the Dr. Anupama Niranjan award, Padma Shri awardee and cancer specialist Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane expressed happiness, saying it was an honor to receive an award in Anupama's name, a pioneer who worked to raise awareness about cancer during her time.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane was conferred the Anupama Niranjan Award, while K. Suresh received the K.V. Ramakrishnegowda Kannada Seva Award. Prizes were also distributed to winners of the story competition.

Senior journalist Ramanna H. Kodihosahalli, critic H. Dandappa, committee president A.S. Nagarajaswamy, and general secretary T.C. Timmayya were also present.