Celebrating Kannada: Yediyurappa Inaugurates 85th Kannada Sahitya Sammelan In Rashtrakuta Capital City Kalaburgi

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday (5 February) inaugurated the eight-fifth Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Kalaburagi. This year’s event is being presided over by noted poet Dr H S Venkateshmurthy.

As per a report in the The Hindu, the Sammelana began with a grand cultural procession joined by tens of thousands of people which included writers, artists and schoolchildren. Also part of the procession were decorated chariots and tableaux.

The procession which was held on a 5.5 km long route, was flagged off by Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Manu Baligar from the S M Pandit Rangamandir. Baligar along with Sammelana president H S Venkatesh Murthy then sat on a decorated golden chariot which was followed by 12 silver ones carrying presidents of 30 district Kannada Sahitya Parishat units.

The cultural program included 60 cultural troupes of 800 artists who showcased performances like Kamsaale, Dollu Kunitha, Pooja Kunitha, Veeragaase, Nandi Dhwaja, Navilu Kunitha, Bombe Kunitha, Nagari and Kangeelu Kunitha.

Speaking at the Sammelan, Yediyurappa remarked that the government was committed to protect Kannada land and language and that there was no question of any compromise in the matters of the state’s progress or geographic ‘asmita’ (pride).

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to provide primary education in Kannada and sought the support of parents for the same.

Kalaburagi, the capital of the famous Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha Nrupatunga, called ‘Ashoka of the South’ is hosting the Sammelana after a gap of 32 years. The main stage has been named after Srivijaya who authored the Kaviraajamarga, the earliest piece of Kannada literature available.

The logo of the festival too highlights this work on rhetoric, poetics and grammar that was said to have been co-authored or inspired by the Amoghavarsha himself. The stage has been modelled on the fort of Malkhed which also served as the capital of the Rashtrakutas.